Children’s Eye Health Awareness

Why is Children's Eye Health Important?

August is Children's Eye Health Awareness Month

Recent studies suggest that approximately 1 in 20 children ages 3 to 5 are facing significant eye conditions that, without prompt and proper intervention, carry the risk of leading to irreversible vision loss. These issues range from common refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, to more complex disorders like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Early detection through comprehensive eye examinations is crucial, as the early years are critical for visual development. Addressing these conditions swiftly not only helps in correcting vision but also plays a vital role in ensuring optimal learning and development, as a significant portion of a child's learning is visually based.

Understanding the eye

Common eye probelms in children

preventative measures

40% of people are affected by nearsightedness globally, with the prevalence among children rising.

95% of vision problems in children are treatable if detected early.

60% or more of children with learning disabilities have undiagnosed vision problems.

Understanding the Eye

Understanding the intricacies of eye anatomy is crucial for comprehending the various conditions that can impact vision. This foundational knowledge enables us to better recognize and address eye-related issues, ensuring optimal eye health. Though there is a lot to know about different parts of the eye, highlighted below are brief descriptions of the parts of the eye affected in common eye problems in children.

Cornea: The clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. It plays a vital role in focusing vision. Scratches, infections, or irregular shape can affect clear vision.
Lens: Located behind the iris, the lens focuses light onto the retina. Changes in its clarity or flexibility can lead to conditions like cataracts, where the lens becomes cloudy, or refractive errors, affecting how well the eye can focus.
Retina: The layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. It converts light into electrical signals sent to the brain. Issues like retinal dystrophies can disrupt this process, affecting vision.
Optic Nerve: This nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Damage or stress on the optic nerve, as seen in conditions like optic neuritis, can impair vision.
Iris: The colored part of the eye, controlling the size of the pupil and the amount of light entering the eye. Aniridia, the absence of the iris, is a rare condition that can affect vision.
Pupil: The opening in the iris that lets light into the eye. Its size changes in response to light. Abnormal reactions or sizes can indicate underlying eye health issues.
Conjunctiva: The thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Inflammation or infection of this layer, known as conjunctivitis, is common in children.

Common Eye Problems in Children

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors can be caused by abnormal eyeball length, problems with the shape of the cornea, or aging of the lens. Common refractive errors include Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (far away or nearby objects look distorted), and presbyopia (difficulty to see things up close for older adults).

Amblyopia

This condition is commonly referred to as “lazy eye.” This is most common in only one eye, but it can happen in both. Amblyopia is caused by a breakdown in how the brain and eye work together. This condition starts during childhood, and up to 3 in every 100 children have it. Luckily, treatments can typically prevent long term issues.

Strabismus

This condition is also known as crossed eyes or hypertropia. This is a misalignment of the eyes which causes one eye to either turn inward (esotropia) or outward (exotropia) while the other remains focused. Uncorrected strabismus can lead to amblyopia.

Visual Processing Disorder

This refers to any number of issues, not within the eye itself, but with the way the brain is processing information it sees. This may include the confusion of letters and numbers, losing one’s place when reading a book, and trouble judging distances and heights, among many others.

Preventative Measures

Regular Eye Exams

Schedule comprehensive eye exams for your child starting from infancy and throughout their childhood, as recommended by eye care professionals. These exams are crucial for detecting and treating eye problems early.

UV Protection

Ensure your child wears sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield their eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can damage the eyes over time.

Nutritious Diet

Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrients like vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin support eye health and development.

Limit Screen Time

Excessive exposure to screens can lead to digital eye strain. Implement guidelines for screen time and encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

resources

Educational Resource

American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. They are a global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for patients and the public. This association innovates and supports research to advance the profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care.

Any Florida BLue Member 18+

Next Steps Health Coaching

Experience individualized health coaching with the Florida Blue Next Steps Health Coaching program. Health coaching is free for all Florida Blue members who are ages 18+ and is available through phone and email with a Registered Nurse Certified Health Coach.
During these one-on-one sessions, discuss health and wellness topics that matter to you.

Get the help you need

Find a Provider

Scheduling regular health check-ups is crucial, even if you feel perfectly healthy. These check-ups can play a pivotal role in early detection of conditions like skin cancer, which is especially important since early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. Dermatologists can conduct thorough skin examinations to spot any unusual changes or abnormalities that might be overlooked otherwise.