Protect Young Eyes for a Lifetime of Healthy Vision
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
As children across Hawaii head back to school, their parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers are encouraged to make eye health a priority. For Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month this August, Hawaiian Eye Center is raising awareness about the importance of protecting children’s vision and establishing healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Children rely heavily on their eyesight to learn, understand, play, and explore. Yet many are susceptible to vision problems, eye injuries, infections, and increasing rates of nearsightedness (myopia). Early detection and prevention are essential to preserving healthy vision and helping children succeed both in and out of the classroom.
“Healthy vision is critical to a child’s development,” says Dr. Steven Rhee of Hawaiian Eye Center. “Simple daily habits can reduce the risk of eye injuries and long-term vision problems.”
Hawaiian Eye Center encourages families and keiki caretakers to incorporate these simple practices into their daily routines:
• Know the warning signs. Squinting, sitting very close to screens, frequent headaches, rubbing the eyes, covering one eye, difficulty reading, or declining school performance may all indicate an underlying vision problem that should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
• Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. Many vision problems develop without obvious symptoms. Routine eye examinations can detect issues early, often before they affect school performance or daily activities.
• Limit recreational screen time and encourage outdoor play. Research has shown that spending more time outdoors may help slow the development of nearsightedness. Encourage children to take frequent breaks from phones, tablets, computers, and video games by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Protect young eyes from the sun. Hawaii’s strong year-round ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the eyes over time. Children should wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays along with a wide-brimmed hat whenever spending extended time outdoors.
• Wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. Whether playing baseball, basketball, soccer, or participating in activities like airsoft, paintball, or woodworking, children should wear sport-appropriate protective eyewear to reduce the risk of serious eye injuries.
• Practice good hygiene. Teach children to wash their hands regularly and avoid rubbing their eyes, which can spread bacteria and viruses that cause eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Eat food that supports healthy vision. A balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, and other nutrient-dense foods provide vitamins and minerals that support developing eyes.
Vision Is Essential for Learning
Experts estimate that much of what children learn in school is presented visually. Unfortunately, many vision problems may go unnoticed because children often assume everyone sees the way they do. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to pay attention to changes in behavior, learning, or coordination that could signal an undiagnosed vision issue.
Start Healthy Habits Early
By encouraging regular eye exams, outdoor play, healthy nutrition, protective eyewear, and proper UV protection, families can help safeguard children’s vision and reduce the risk of preventable eye injuries and disease.
This Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Hawaiian Eye Center reminds families that protecting children’s eyesight today can help preserve healthy vision for years to come.