Vision Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Vision plays a key role in a child’s development and well-being
In fact, studies show that 80% of classroom learning is visual, underscoring the importance of building healthy vision habits, recognizing signs of potential problems, scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams and more. Explore our resources below to learn more about how you can support your child’s vision and long-term eye health.
What are some signs that my child may have a vision problem?
- Eye strain or tiredness when reading
- Squinting, closing or covering one eye
- Eyes turning in or out
- Disliking or avoiding close work
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Headaches, nausea and dizziness
- Blurry or double vision
What’s the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?
According to the American Optometric Association, vision screenings are designed to identify children that may have eye or vision problems that impact their ability to learn. If the screening indicates a vision problem, the child will be referred to a Doctor of Optometry for follow-up care. Vision screenings are usually conducted by a school nurse, primary care physician or other healthcare professional.
Comprehensive eye exams are conducted by a Doctor of Optometry to diagnose the vision issue and provide treatment. To thoroughly evaluate a child’s eyes and vision, specialized equipment and procedures are used that aren’t included in typical vision screening programs. A comprehensive eye exam includes tests to measure refraction, visual acuity, overall eye health, binocular fusion, color vision, visual alignment and more.
Learn more about comprehensive eye exams:
How can I protect my child’s vision?
Get regular eye exams
Because a child’s vision changes so frequently during school-aged years, a child should receive an eye exam at least once a year.
Eat healthy
A balanced diet filled with fruits and veggies will provide kids with essential vitamins that protect their vision.
Wear protective eyewear and sunglasses
Prevent sports-related injuries and damage from intense UV rays by using sunglasses and protective eyewear.
Limit screen time
Take a break from screens to prevent digital eye strain.
Discover more tips for protecting your child’s vision:
How can I help my child adjust to wearing glasses?
Some kids are excited to receive their new glasses. Others are reluctant. It’s important to understand why that might be – style, fit, wrong prescription? Once they have the right pair, it can still take some time to feel fully comfortable wearing glasses, especially if your child is receiving their first pair or adjusting to a stronger prescription.
If your child experiences headaches or dizziness when they first wear their new frames, have them wear their glasses for only a few hours a day.
You may need to let your child’s teachers know they’re phasing them in and may not wear them all day at school.
How can I help my child take care of their glasses?
Kids’ glasses get smudgy. Helping them keep them clean is easy and makes them feel good about seeing through clear lenses. Show them how to use eyeglass cleaning spray or dish soap and water to gently wash them and wipe them with a microfiber lens cloth.
Storing their glasses in a protective case can help protect them when not being worn.
The screws at the temples may occasionally need to be tightened. When that happens, you can take the glasses to any optometrist’s office and ask them to help with the adjustment. They will usually do this at no charge.
Educational Materials: Realeyes Classroom Initiative
Realeyes is a classroom education program created by the Ohio Optometric Association through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health Save Our Sight Fund. Realeyes includes six standardized, interactive, age-appropriate curricula that are presented by volunteer optometrists in the community. Topics covered include eye anatomy, eye safety and eye disorders.