Did you know 1 in 4 children has a vision problem? I was one of them. My eyesight starting declining in second grade, by third grade I was diagnosed with a lazy eye and my eyesight evolution has taken me from glasses to contact lenses to Lasik surgery and now back to glasses again.
Given my history, you would think I’d be more proactive about eye exams for my kids but between dental checkups, doctor’s exams, and everything else we do to keep our kids healthy, it’s easy to forget about our children’s vision. In 2017, Visionworks is teaming up with Little League® to become the official eyewear and eye care retailer of Little League Baseball and Softball. Together, the organizations are raising awareness about the importance of annual eye exams and protective eyewear for school-aged children, especially those children who play sports.
According to the American Optometric Association, vision plays an important role in how well children perform in school, outdoor games and sports. Playing catch in the backyard or participating in team sports at school requires clear distance vision, good depth perception, wide field of vision and effective eye-hand coordination.
Visionworks shares these important signs that your Little Leaguer might be experiencing visual problems: Squinting, holding books close to face when reading, twisting or tilting of the head to favor one eye, complaints of headaches and dizziness, blurred or double vision, frequent blinking or rubbing of eyes, inability to judge distance properly (bumping into things) and school and athletic performance.
Did you know:
- Getting your child’s eyes checked regularly is essential for spotting issues that are treatable when caught early.
(Visionworks lenses)
- According to the American Optometric Association, infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6, then annually from ages 5 to 19.
- Preemies or kids with a family history of childhood eye problems may need more frequent or more detailed exams.
- In most cases, your child doesn’t need to go to an eye doctor to have her vision checked, since many pediatricians do screenings at well-child visits, and schools often give them yearly too (check to see whether your child’s school does).
- Babies 6 to 12 months can also get free eye exams through the American Optometric Association’s InfantSee program.
- Each year, thousands of eye injuries could be prevented by people wearing safety glasses or protective eyewear. For children, eye injuries happen mainly during sports and other active play.
With the Little League World Series going on August 17-27, Visionworks wants to remind baseball families all across the country to get their little athlete’s eyes checked. Also, for families headed to the Little League World Series, parents and players will be able to visit Visionworks at the Family Fun Zone to learn more about how they can help keep their eyes healthy.
Visionworks Information and Deals
Visionworks has a lot of great information about Eye Health for Children that includes common vision problems, UV protection for kids and important facts about polarized protection. Learn more at their website and also how to receive 40% off your next purchase! Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
*Featured frames: Nike 5538 (Grey) $179.95. These colorful frames have a translucent gray frame front paired with translucent matte red temples for a look that pops. Nike 5574 (Satin Black) $179.95. These sophisticated frames featured color-blocked temples with dark and light gray and satin-finished black metal frame for a classic look. In partnership with Mile High Mamas.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
