Back-to-school season in Lebanon is full of to-do lists, uniforms, books, new schedules, and packed lunches. But there’s one important thing many families forget to check off: their child’s eye health. Good vision plays a major role in a child’s ability to learn, play, and grow. From reading the board to joining in classroom activities, eyesight affects how confident and comfortable your child feels at school. So as you prep for the academic year, don’t overlook the importance of their little eyes. Here are a few practical tips to protect and support your child’s vision.
Schedule an Eye Exam Before School Starts
Many parents assume they’d know if their child had vision problems, but kids
can’t always speak up. In fact, many children think blurry vision is
completely normal because they’ve never seen any differently.
That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a basic eye exam for
all children above 3 years old, almost every year, even if your child doesn’t
complain.
Vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can easily
go unnoticed and affect their focus, grades, and overall confidence.
At LAUMC-RH, our eye specialists offer friendly, child-focused exams to help
catch any eye problems early on.
Know the Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for subtle signs that your child may be struggling with their vision if they:
- squint their eyes or tilt their head to see better
- complain of headaches
- fidgets or cannot sit still, especially in the afternoon or when working on homework
- hold books too close
- sit close to the TV
- rub their eyes often
- find it difficult to concentrate in class
If you notice any of these behaviors, don’t wait—schedule a check-up sooner.
Limit Screen Time and Encourage Breaks
Today’s kids are growing up in a digital world. Between online classes, mobile
games, and tablets, their eyes are working overtime. While technology is a big
part of learning and fun, too much screen time can cause eye fatigue and
discomfort, often called digital eye strain.
Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, have your child look at
something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
When they’re using screens, make sure it’s in well-lit rooms and at a
comfortable distance.
Choose Eye-Friendly Habits
Help your kids develop small habits that protect their vision:
- Make sure they read with proper lighting
- Encourage outdoor play
- Prioritize spending time outdoors over screentime
- Include leafy greens, fruits, and fish in their diet—all are rich in eye-friendly nutrients
- Make wearing sunglasses a habit when out in the sun
See the Future Clearly
Vision is more than just eyesight; it’s how your child connects with the world. By caring for their eyes today, you’re supporting their confidence, development, and dreams for the future. At LAUMC-RH, we’re here to help you care for your child, from their bright eyes to their growing minds.