North Country Health Nuggets

Protecting Children's Vision Starts with Prevention

August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, a timely reminder for families to prioritize children's vision as they prepare for a new school year.  Healthy vision is essential for learning, development, and everyday activities.  Many vision problems can be successfully treated when they are found early, helping children succeed in school and throughout life.

Vision care begins at birth, with newborn eye exams in the hospital and routine vision screenings during well-child visits.  These screenings help identify concerns early, allowing children to receive treatment before vision problems affect learning or development.

In Minnesota, children enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid) can receive preventive well-child visits through the Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) program.  C&TC visits monitor growth and development, include vision screenings, identify potential concerns, and help families build an ongoing relationship with their health care provider.  If a vision screening identifies a concern, children may be referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination.

Parents and caregivers should watch for signs that may indicate a vision problem, including-Frequent eye rubbing or complaints of eye discomfort, Red or watery eyes, Sensitivity to light, Eyes that do not move together or appear crossed after 6 months of age, Squinting or frequent headaches, Difficulty reading or seeing the classroom board, Sitting very close to the television or digital devices.

If your child needs glasses to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, polycarbonate lenses are recommended because they are lightweight and impact resistant.  Older children who wear contact lenses should follow proper cleaning and wearing instructions to protect their eye health.

Early detection and treatment are the best ways to protect a child's vision.  Scheduling regular well-child visits, including Child and Teen Checkups, and following through with recommended eye exams can help children maintain healthy vision and reach their full potential in school and beyond.                                                     Kids Health-MDH August 2026

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)