The Importance of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month | Envision Blog

The Importance of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month 

By Dr. Carolyn Carman, Medical Director, Envision Dallas • Aug 15, 2022
Little boy with glasses coming out from behind a toy block tower, Children's Eye Health Month

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The Importance of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month 
by Dr. Carolyn Carman

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month is celebrated every August in the U.S. to help educate families on eye health and preventive health practices. August is an ideal time to discuss children’s vision and eye health as school starts back up. Regular eye exams and vision screenings are essential to child’s vision health which also contributes to a child’s academic success. 

Here are several key facts about low vision and blindness with children:
 
  • According to the CDC, approximately 6.8% of children younger than 18 years in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. 
  • Nearly 3 percent of children younger than 18 years are blind or visually impaired, defined as having trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contact lenses.
  • Vision disability is one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children.
  • Protecting your children’s eyes and preventing injuries is important. The right eye protection can lessen the severity or even prevent 90 percent of eye injuries.
  • Low vision services can assist in maximizing a child’s vision by better identifying the useful vision, prescribing appropriate glasses and low vision devices, and directing other vision services to help with educational, recreational, and other activities.
  • If regular glasses or contact lenses still do not allow for your child to attain normal vision, schedule a low vision consultation to find out what assistance your child may benefit from.
Help your children have a successful school year and take the safety measures to ensure their eyes are free from injury. The earlier a vision disorder can be identified and treated, the stronger start to learning and development a child will have. Learn more about vision screen for children of all ages from the American Academy of Ophthalmology by clicking here. 

At Envision Dallas in North Texas, or Envision in Wichita, Kansas, we are ready to provide families with comprehensive care for those with low vision or blindness. Dallas residents can contact us for vision rehabilitation
services at 214-420-5095 or email us at dallasrehab@envisionus.com. 

Learn more about Dr. Carolyn Carman, Medical Director, Envision Dallas by clicking here.