August highlights children’s eye health & safety

UTICA, N.Y. –  As part of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month this August, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is encouraging families to prioritize their children’s ocular health and take precautions to prevent common eye injuries.

Vision problems can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. According to the National Society to Prevent Blindness, one in four school-aged children has a vision condition that can impact academic performance. Without early detection and treatment, conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and myopia (nearsightedness) can lead to long-term complications, including developmental delays and behavioral challenges.

In addition to vision conditions, eye injuries are a leading cause of vision loss in children.  Each year, thousands of children suffer eye injuries from sports, toys, and household accidents, many of which could be prevented with proper supervision and protective eyewear.  The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 90% of all eye injuries are preventable.

It is important for families to schedule eye exams before the school year begins and to stay informed about the importance of eye health and injury prevention.

“Make an annual eye exam part of your children’s back to school routine to make sure that they’re visually performing their best in the upcoming school year!” said Dr. Kimberly Wadas, a low vision specialist at CABVI.