Children’s Eye Health & Safety Awareness Month
August is nationally recognized as Children’s Eye Health & Safety Awareness Month—a vital time for families to focus on protecting young eyes. With school just around the corner, it’s the ideal moment to prioritize your child’s vision and safety.
Why Vision Health Matters in Kids
Clear vision supports learning, play, and healthy development. Yet many children experience undiagnosed issues like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, amblyopia, or strabismus, which can go unnoticed without proper screenings.
Developmental Milestones: What to Watch For
Pediatricians often perform early vision screenings to track developmental eye milestones. Signs that may indicate concern include:
- Delays in tracking or focusing
- Eyes that don’t move or align together
- Abnormal reflexes or appearance of the eyes
Parents should also look out for behaviors like squinting, excessive eye rubbing (not linked to tiredness), head tilting, sitting too close to screens, or avoiding close-up tasks.
Recommended Screening Schedule
Experts recommend that children follow a regular schedule of eye exams to ensure early detection and treatment of potential issues. A baby should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. The next exam should take place around age 3, followed by another before starting kindergarten, typically between ages 5 and 6. Once children are in school, they should receive an eye exam every one to two years, or annually if they are already wearing glasses or have known vision issues. These consistent check-ups are crucial to catching problems early, supporting healthy development and academic success.
Actionable Steps for Families
- Book an eye exam this August if your child hasn’t had one in the past year—especially before school starts.
- Stay alert to visual warning signs and get them checked promptly by an eye care provider.
- Invest in protective eyewear for sports or risky play.
- Limit screen time, follow good ergonomics, and enforce regular breaks.
- Ensure a nutritious diet and encourage daily outdoor activity.
- Model healthy eye habits like eye protection and regular maintenance yourself.
Make an appointment with Dr. Rubinstein today to prioritize your child’s eye health this school year and beyond. Early care makes a lasting difference. Call (212) 242-2200 today.
