Ohio AAP Promotes National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Columbus, OH (PRWEB) August 14, 2014 -- With National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month and back-to-school time both happening this month, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.ohioaap.org) wants to educate parents about the importance of vision care for children, how to recognize potential problems, and the preventative measures to be taken against eye injury.
“Middle childhood is a very common time for children to be diagnosed with vision problems,” said Melissa Wervey Arnold, Executive Director for the Ohio AAP. “As you take your children for their back-to-school checkups, be sure that a vision screening is included, as this is an important step in preventing potential sight problems before they develop.”
While routine vision screenings are a great way to catch problems before they start, paying close attention to the signs of possible eye problems, and acting accordingly, can greatly reduce the risk of damage or discomfort. Take your child to an eye doctor if:
• Eyes appear misaligned or crossed, or if one eye looks outward
• Eyes are red, swollen, crusted, watery, or in any way inflamed without explanation
• Close-up work or reading is a significant struggle for the child
• Your child often squints or closes one or both eyes
• Your child experiences frequent headaches or dizziness, especially after focusing for an extended period of time
• Your child expresses discomfort or complains about eyes feeling “scratchy,” “itchy,” or “burning”
As children become more active, it’s important to take precautions for the safety of their sight. The Ohio AAP offers the following tips to lower the risk of eye injury:
• Pad or cushion sharp corners of home furnishings and fixtures.
• Avoid flying toys, projectile-firing toys and toys with pointed edges.
• Sharp utensils such as forks and pencils should be kept out of reach of young children.
• Choose quality sunglasses for children, with high UV protection and sturdy lenses that will not pop out during active play.
• Equip your child athlete with the proper sports eye protector.
The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) promotes the health, safety and well being of children and adolescents so they may reach their full potential. The Ohio AAP works to accomplish this by addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities, and by supporting Chapter members through advocacy, education, research, service, and improving the systems through which they deliver pediatric care.
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Interviews are available with Ohio AAP Pediatricians from throughout Ohio.
Jill Buterbaugh, Krile Communcations, +1 614-326-9054, [email protected]
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