As families prepare for a new school year, two important areas of children's health deserve attention: immunization and eye vision. In July, Summit Medical Group shared information about eye health and highlighted our specialists at Tennessee Eye Care. This month, we're bringing those topics together to highlight the importance of children's eye care.
August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, making it the perfect time to prioritize pediatric vision care, schedule routine eye exams and educate children and families about ways to protect their eyes before the school year begins.
Vision care matters
Vision screenings and eye exams at a young age are critical for early identification of potential vision problems. Detecting and treating certain conditions during childhood can help prevent them from worsening into adulthood and support healthy visual development.
Parents and guardians should pay attention to changes in how their
children see, read or interact with their surroundings. Some signs of a
potential problem may include:
- Squinting or
frequently rubbing eyes
- Frequent
headaches
- Sitting very
close to screens or holding books close to the face
- Covering or
closing one eye
- Difficulty
reading or focusing
- Complaints
about blurry or double vision
- Decline in classroom performance
If
you notice these signs, talk to your child's pediatrician or eye care provider.
Healthy habits & conversations
Screens are a part of everyday life, especially during the school
year. Parents can help children develop healthy habits to reduce digital eye
strain by encouraging them to:
- Follow 20-20-20
rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Take regular
breaks from screens and other close-up activities.
- Blink
frequently while looking at screens.
- Adjust screen brightness and contrast settings to comfortable level.
Open conversations can help children recognize when they are
having trouble seeing. Ask whether they can comfortably see the board at
school, read books or see clearly on a computer or tablet. Children may not
always realize that their vision is different from what it should be, so pay
attention to subtle changes and encourage them to speak up about vision
concerns.
Whether your child is due for a routine eye exam or needs treatment for an eye condition, Summit Medical Group's eye care specialists at Tennessee Eye Care are committed to helping protect your child's vision for years to come.
Tennessee Eye Care provides comprehensive optical and medical eye care services for patients of all ages across East Tennessee. Our experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists provide personalized care using advanced technology and a patient-centered approach. With primary offices in Harriman, Knoxville, Lenoir City, Morristown and Powell, along with seven additional satellite locations, Tennessee Eye Care makes high-quality vision care convenient and accessible for families across East Tennessee.
Services include:
- Comprehensive
eye examinations to evaluate vision, eye pressure, eye muscle function and
overall eye health.
- Screenings for
common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Optical
services, including eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.
- Pediatric eye
care, including vision screenings and treatment for conditions such as
amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes).
- Medical eye care services for conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
To
learn more about Tennessee Eye Care's services, providers and locations, visit
the Summit Medical Group
Eye Care page.