August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
More than 80 percent of early learning is visual. Proper vision screenings and exams are essential for early detection and intervention of vision problems in children. Newborns should have their eyes checked before leaving the hospital. New York State also requires children to have vision screening before they are enrolled in kindergarten.
If your child is not performing well in school, don’t assume it’s just lack of interest or laziness. The problem could be vision related.
Although an eye exam is the ideal way for parents to know whether their children have vision problems, there are signs and behaviors that may indicate a child is struggling with his or her vision:
• Eyes don’’t line up - one eye appears crossed or looks outward;
• Eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen;
• Eyes are watery or red;
• Rubs eyes frequently;
• Closes or covers one eye;
• Tilts his or her head or thrusts forward to see something;
• Has trouble reading or doing other close-up work, or holds objects close to eyes to see;
• Blinks more than usual or seems cranky when doing close-up work;
• Squints or frowns when trying to read or watch something;
• Complains of itchy or burning eyes;
• After doing close-up work, complains of dizziness, headache or nausea.
• Complains that “Everything looks blurry,” or “I see double.”
Your child’s pediatrician can help determine if your child needs to see an eye doctor.
Click here for a guide from the New York State Commission for the Blind’s services for children who are blind.