August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month in the US—and it’s a timely prompt for us in South Africa to reflect on how we’re supporting young vision. With children spending more time on screens for both learning and play, prioritising eye care has never been more urgent. It’s a call to action for parents, caregivers, and educators to ensure regular eye screenings and promote healthy visual habits

Why Children’s Eye Health Matters

Good vision is critical for a child’s development, learning, and overall well-being. According to the American Optometric Association, 80% of what children learn in school is presented visually. Visual issues that may not be obvious can lead to academic struggles, behavioral problems, and even developmental delays.

Children and Devices

Today’s children are exposed to screens at a much younger age and for longer durations than previous generations. Prolonged screen time can lead to …

• Eye fatigue
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Myopia (short-sightedness or nearsightedness) – excessive close-up screen use may also contribute to the rising global rates of myopia in children.

Key Tips for Protecting the Eyes:

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is essential. Children should have a comprehensive eye exam before starting school and ideally every year thereafter.
• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, children should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds and blink 20 times to reduce risks associated with prolonged device use
• Encourage Outdoor Play: Studies show time spent outdoors can help slow the progression of myopia.
• Monitor Screen Time: Set healthy limits and encourage screen breaks.
• Use Proper Lighting: Ensure devices are used in well-lit areas to avoid additional problems developing.
• Healthy Lifestyle including a healthy diet with reduced intake of foods and drinks that contain sugar, artificial flavorants, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives 

A Clearer Future

August serves as a great annual checkpoint for ensuring children’s eyes are healthy and developing properly. By taking simple but consistent steps, parents, carers, and educators can help protect a child’s vision—setting them up for a successful and bright future.

Vision Works -Kids See Free Initiative

Protecting your child’s vision doesn’t have to cost a thing! Thanks to the Vision Works Kids See Free initiative, children between the ages of 6 and 12 can receive a free eye exam, frame, and lenses—once per year, at participating Vision Works locations. For more information visit their website at https://www.vision-works.co.za/kids-see-free/