August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

Back-to-school time is quickly approaching, and if you’re a parent, chances are you’re thinking a lot about school supplies, clothes, and lunches.  But don’t forget about one very important thing your kid needs for the new school year:  good eyesight.  Children’s vision can change as they grow, so a child who didn’t need glasses one year might need them the next.  Therefore it’s important to have your child’s vision checked regularly starting at age 3.  The American Optometric Association suggests that parents be on the lookout for the following signs of visual problems in young children:

• Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close
• Squinting
• Tilting their head
• Frequently rubbing their eyes
• Short attention span for the child’s age
• Turning of an eye in or out 
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination when playing ball or bike riding
• Avoiding coloring activities, puzzles and other detailed activities

Many schools also offer vision screenings.  For information, see Guidelines for School Vision Screening Programs from the Colorado Department of Education.  Also, see the Department’s Vision webpage.