Parents tend to focus on purchasing new school supplies, packing lunchboxes, and establishing routines as their children get ready to return to school.
However, there is one crucial element of planning that is sometimes disregarded: the condition of your child’s eyes.
Maintaining healthy eye habits and back-to-school eye care are more important than ever because of the rising amount of time spent on screens and the demanding schoolwork.
Your child’s vision greatly influences their learning and development. Whether it is by reading, writing, or using digital gadgets, up to 80% of what is learned in school is visual. Your child may avoid eye strain, see well, and remain focused and confident in class with the support of a back-to-school eye care regimen.
Here’s a complete back-to-school eye care guide for kids that parents can easily follow:
Schedule a Back-to-School Eye Care Exam
A trip to the eye doctor should be one of the most important aspects of your child’s back-to-school eye care preparation. Basic eye screenings are often done by pediatricians, but they may miss certain vision problems. Your optometrist can identify the following through a comprehensive eye exam:
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- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Eye coordination or focusing issues
Tip: To allow for any necessary adjustments, schedule a back-to-school eye care exam at least two to three weeks before the start of classes.
Make Sure Glasses Are Up to Date
Make sure the prescription for your child’s glasses is still correct if they currently wear them. Children’s vision needs change with their rapid growth. Some indications that, as part of back-to-school eye care essentials, your youngster could require new glasses are:
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- Squinting
- Frequent headaches
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Holding books too close
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
Additionally, look for scratches, loose hinges, or a bad fit on their present glasses. Verify if the frames are snug and strong enough to withstand the demands of the school day.
Tip: Let your child help choose their frames! They’re more likely to wear glasses they like.
Establish Healthy Screen Time Habits
In the modern digital classroom, screens are a commonplace aspect of daily life. The eyes of children are working harder than ever before, whether they are using tablets, laptops, or smartphones. Computer vision syndrome, another name for digital eye strain, can result from prolonged screen time.
Encourage these simple rules:
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- 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink frequently: To avoid dry eyes, remind them to blink often.
- Screen positioning: Keep screens at eye level and about 18–24 inches away from their face.
- Lighting matters: Avoid using screens in the dark or under harsh glare.
It could be time to reevaluate your child’s screen habits or consult your optometrist if they complain of headaches, impaired vision, or weary or burning eyes.
Encourage Outdoor Play
Playing outside benefits your child’s vision in addition to their physical well-being! This is not an ordinary back-to-school eye care tip, but playing outside lowers the chance of getting nearsightedness, or myopia, according to studies. The eye muscles can be relaxed by focusing on objects at different distances and by exposure to natural light.
Every day, try to spend at least an hour outside, whether it’s walking the dog, riding a bike, or playing in the park. In addition to improving vision, this also helps control sleep patterns and enhances mood and conduct, all of which are critical for academic achievement.
Practice Proper Eye Hygiene
Unknowingly touching their faces and eyes, children might develop eye infections, including conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Teach your child these hygiene basics:
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- Always wash hands before touching their eyes or face.
- Do not share eye drops, makeup, or face towels.
- If they wear contact lenses (usually older kids), make sure they follow proper lens care routines.
Keeping the eyes clean and infection-free ensures your child doesn’t miss school or feel uncomfortable during lessons.
Provide Eye-Friendly Nutrition
Your child’s eye health may be impacted by their diet. Long-term dangers are decreased, and healthy vision is supported by a well-balanced diet full of nutrients that are good for the eyes.
Top foods for eye health:
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- Carrots and sweet potatoes: High in vitamin A for clear vision
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale): Packed with lutein and zeaxanthin
- Citrus fruits: Provide vitamin C for healthy blood vessels in the eyes
- Eggs, fish, and nuts: Rich in omega-3s and zinc
Make these part of your child’s lunchbox or after-school snacks for a natural boost to their vision health.
Watch for Warning Signs
Even with good habits, kids may not always realize their vision is changing. Keep an eye out for:
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- Eye rubbing or excessive blinking
- Trouble concentrating on homework
- Avoiding reading or near work
- Covering one eye while reading
- Frequent complaints of headaches
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an eye exam with your optometrist.
Model Good Eye Habits
Children often mimic the actions of their parents. They are more likely to follow what you are doing if they observe you taking screen breaks, wearing sunglasses, or getting eye tests.
Take care of your eyes as a family. Spend time together without technology, go on outdoor trips, or cook nutritious meals. Your child will feel more at ease when eye health is a regular part of your family’s routine.
Conclusion
Your child’s behavior, confidence, and academic achievement can all be subtly impacted by vision issues. You’re giving your child the best chance to thrive in school and life by incorporating a back-to-school eye care routine into your preparations.
Back-to-school season is more than just new notebooks and backpacks—it’s also about seeing the world clearly.
Make back-to-school eye care part of your checklist. Give your kids the brighter future they deserve. Call us to schedule a back-to-school eye care visit with our optometrist, Dr. Jeffrey Porter, and his associates.
Our experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL
815-477-4053
Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL
847-458-5796
