Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

Did you know that an estimated 1 in 4 school-age children has an undetected vision problem that could impact their learning and development?

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month is celebrated from 1 August to 31 August, which means it is the perfect time to safeguard children's eyesight.

Here at Sight Research UK, we fund cutting edge research aimed at treating and preventing sight loss. We are also passionate about raising awareness about sight issues, so we have collated some facts below to keep young eyes safe. 

How to get your eyes tested during Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

Many childhood eye conditions are treatable, but they must be found early.  

Every parent should avoid ignoring the following key signs: 

• Squinting or tilting head to see 

• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking 

• Sitting too close to screens or books 

• Difficulty with hand-eye coordination 

• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes 

If in doubt, seek professional help from an optometrist or optician. In the UK, children under 16 are eligible for free NHS eye tests. Young people aged 16 to 18 also qualify if they’re in full-time education. In Scotland, eye exams are free for all residents, regardless of age.

Keeping your children's eyes safe

Protecting your child's eyes from the sun is incredibly important. Children are more sensitive to harmful UV light compared to adults. This is because they have larger pupils and absorb much more UV light than adults. 

There are many ways you can ensure your child's eyes are protected from the sun:

• Encourage them to wear a hat with a wide brim. The NHS specifically recommends hats that shade the face, neck, and ears. 
• Teach your child never to look directly at the sun.
• Ensure that children wear sunglasses that effectively filter out harmful UV light. Children’s sunglasses come in various styles for all ages, and you should always check for the CE quality mark or British Standard to ensure their effectiveness. 
• Where possible, keep children indoors or in the shade when the sun is at its strongest, typically between 11 am and 3 pm. 
• Infants under 6 months should be kept out of the sun entirely.

Parents should encourage outdoor play. Studies have shown that healthy exposure to natural daylight when UV levels are low could reduce myopia risk.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule. For every 20 minutes that children are using screens, encourage them to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain.

Regular eye examinations are essential for all children, especially if there's a family history of eye conditions or if you notice any changes in their vision or behaviour. Early detection and management can make a significant difference in preserving your child's eye health and ensuring they have the best possible vision for life. 

Common eye conditions for children: 

Myopia (Short-sightedness)

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects appear clear.  

Myopia often runs in families, indicating a genetic link. However, environmental factors also play a significant role. Increased time spent on near-work activities, such as reading, using tablets, or smartphones, coupled with less time spent outdoors, are associated with a higher risk of developing and progressing myopia.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, often called "lazy eye," is a condition where one eye doesn't develop normal vision. Over time, the brain starts to favour the stronger eye, effectively "ignoring" the weaker one. 

Symptoms can be subtle, but parents might notice their child squinting, tilting their head, or rubbing one eye.

Parents might notice their child squinting to see distant objects, sitting closer to the TV, or holding books very close. They might also complain of headaches or eye strain or simply seem unaware of distant objects like signs or whiteboards at school. Scroll down to read our tips to protect children's eyesight!

Nutrition for keeping your children's eyes healthy

A balanced diet prevents future vision problems, and they help the eyes children develop. You can find our full list of nutritional advice by clicking below. 

Read more about Nutrition For Eye Health at Sight Research UK 

Find out more about Sight Research UK's research into children's eye health

Children's eye health is a race against time. Every day, conditions like inherited retinal diseases and amblyopia threaten a child's future. But through dedicated research, we are making breakthroughs that can change lives forever.

At Sight Research UK, our scientists are working tirelessly to uncover the causes of eye diseases and develop new, life-changing treatments. We are on the cusp of discoveries that could one day prevent sight loss in children.