To Help Raise Awareness October Is Children’s Vision Month
Happy Children’s Vision Month
October is designated as Children’s Vision Month. It’s a reminder to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining your child’s eye health.
In this post, our Markham optometrists offer 5 helpful tips on maintaining and ensuring your child’s eye health throughout the year.
Early Detection Is Crucial for Long-Term Eye Health
Did you know that only 14% of Canadian children under the age of 6 have had a proper eye exam by a Doctor of Optometry? This is a concerning statistic, as early detection of eye problems is crucial for long-term eye health and vision development. See our post entitled, Tips for Your Child’s First Eye Exam.
Unfortunately, many parents believe they would notice if their child had trouble seeing. However many vision issues don’t show obvious symptoms early on.
Common eye problems like nearsightedness, astigmatism, or even amblyopia (lazy eye) can develop gradually. Children often adapt in ways that make it harder for parents to notice their child has a problem.
Annual eye exams are critical, even if your child isn’t complaining of any discomfort.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
While Children’s Vision Month serves as an important reminder to take action, your child’s eye health needs to be a year-round priority. Regular eye exams and good habits can help ensure your child’s vision is on track for a lifetime of healthy sight.
When is it a good time to get your child’s eyes tested?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) recommends that children have an eye exam at least once a year starting at age 3. You can book an eye exam more often if there is a family history of eye issues or if a problem has been detected.
During these eye exams, our Markham optometrists check for a range of conditions, including:
- Refractive Errors (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism)
- Eye Coordination
- Focusing Ability
- Depth Perception
- And More
Early detection and treatment are key to preventing more serious vision problems down the road.
At Unionville Optometry, we are committed to promoting year-round eye care. We encourage you to prioritize your child’s eye exam as part of of your family’s health routine.
5 Tips to Keep Your Child’s Eyesight Healthy All Year Long
Children’s Vision Month is great for raising awareness, but here are five essential tips to help protect your child’s vision throughout the year.
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Schedule Regular Eye Exams
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends eye exams at age 3, followed by annual check-ups for school-age children. A comprehensive eye exam can detect issues early, even before your child notices them.
Conditions like nearsightedness or astigmatism often develop gradually and can be easily missed without a professional exam.
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Be Aware of Warning Signs
Watch for symptoms that may indicate a vision problem. If your child exhibits any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist.
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or blurry vision
- Rubbing eyes excessively
- Holding reading material very close or avoiding reading altogether
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Encourage a Diet Rich in Eye-Healthy Nutrients
A nutritious diet helps to support strong vision. Ensure your child’s meals include foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and lutein.
These nutrients and vitamins play a vital role in maintaining healthy eyes and preventing eye diseases. Foods like leafy greens, fish, eggs, and citrus fruits are excellent choices for eye health. Check out our blog for more eye-healthy lunch ideas!
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Help Your Child Manage Screen Time
In today’s digital age, too much screen time is inevitable. To prevent digital eye strain, encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away.
Regular breaks help reduce eye fatigue and maintain healthy vision, especially as children spend increasing amounts of time on their computers and handheld devices like tablets and smartphones.
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Protect Eyes During Play & Sports
Whether it’s playing outside or participating in sports, make sure your child is wearing proper eye protection.
Safety glasses are essential for high-contact sports or any activities where the risk of injury is high (e.g., soccer, basketball, or cycling). Additionally, always ensure your child wears UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors to protect their eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
The Importance of Year-Round Commitment to Eye Health
We’re thankful to have October as Children’s Vision Month but as you can see, caring for your child’s eyes is something to think about throughout the year. Regular eye exams, a healthy diet, and good habits need to be part of a consistent, year-long effort. Prioritizing eye health now will help your child develop strong vision that supports learning, play, and overall visual well-being for years to come.
Ready to Book an Eye Exam?
At Unionville Optometry in Markham Ontario, we are dedicated to keeping your child’s vision healthy and sharp.
We are currently accepting new patients, so if you haven’t yet scheduled an eye exam for your child this year, it’s a great time to start.
Contact us today or call us at 1-905-477-4488 to book an appointment with one of our pediatric optometrists. If your child needs glasses, we offer a wide selection of stylish, impact-resistant prescription eyewear specifically designed for kids.