Back to School

Six tips for supporting student eye health

By Dr. Giovanna Olivares, OD, FAAO; Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Director & Staff Writer

Back to school with healthy eyes

As parents and teachers, it’s all about giving children the things they need to have a fun and successful school year. One important and underrated aspect of this is their eye health. As Stanford University professor and development economist Scott Rozelle states, correcting vision “is the single most effective health intervention when it comes to improving academic performance.” This is supported by the finding that 80% of what children learn comes from visuals.

By following these simple tips, parents and teachers can support children's eye health and ensure a comfortable and safe learning experience.

Tips for parents and teachers

With more and more learning going digital, students are increasingly using screens to study. It's more important than ever to prioritise your child’s eyes.

1. Provide regular eye tests

Children who can’t see well may get bored, act out, and could even be misdiagnosed with learning or behavioural disorders. The vision screening typically done at school is only capable of detecting certain kinds of vision issues. Regular comprehensive eye tests can check for any current vision problems or those that can develop as they grow, like myopia.

2. Create a vision-friendly environment

Set up a comfortable study area, which may need customising based on the student. Comfortable lighting is the top priority. Too bright can strain the eyes, as can too dim. The same goes for screen brightness if the student is using a digital device. Try to match the brightness to the surroundings. Finally, ensure their reading distance is adequate. Computer screens should be viewed from at least 20 inches away.

3. Encourage healthy digital habits

Remind children and teens to take breaks from screens every 20 minutes (we know, this can be a challenge) and encourage a balance between screen time and outdoor activities. Research shows that two or more hours a day outside can help reduce the onset of myopia or slow its progression.¹

4. Serve eye-healthy foods

Certain foods support healthy eyesight and eye development. Those foods include fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E like carrots, spinach, and citrus fruits.

5. Protect Their Eyes

When students play outside, encourage them to wear sunglasses to shield themselves from harmful UV rays. If they’re playing sports through school recreationally, be sure to protect their eyes, when necessary, by wearing protective gear.

6. Watch for warning signs

It can sometimes be hard to spot the signs of eye issues, but some things to look out for are frequent headaches, squinting, or rubbing eyes. If you notice any concerns, consult an Eye Care Professional.

Schedule an eye test today

A comprehensive eye test which is much more extensive than vision screening at school can detect the early signs of myopia, as well as other diseases. Get one scheduled and make sure your child is prepared for a successful school year.

Find an Optician

About the author

Giovanna E. Olivares, OD, FAAO is the Global Director, Specialty Platforms Research & Development, at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (JJVC). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the strategy, design, and development of new products to support the company’s global Astigmatism and Presbyopia platforms.

Consult your Eye Care Professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

References:

Wu PC, Chen CT, Lin KK, et al. Myopia Prevention and Outdoor Light Intensity in a School-Based Cluster Randomized Trial. Ophthalmology 2018;125:1239-50.

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For detailed information on proper wear, care, warnings and precautions, talk to your Eye Care Professional and carefully read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website https://www.e-ifu.com/

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE^® Abilit^® 1-Day Soft Therapeutic Lenses for Myopia Management can be used for the correction of myopia (while the lenses are worn) and may slow the progression of myopia in children (7-12 years old). An Eye Care Professional will determine whether these contact lenses are right for you (your child). Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these symptoms, follow the wear and replacement schedule provided by your Eye Care Professional. Do not wear these contact lenses if you (your child) have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease, that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you (your child) experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. Due to the optical design of these lenses, under certain circumstances, some patients may experience visual symptoms. These lenses will provide vision correction while worn, but the vision quality may not be as clear as with conventional soft contact lenses. For detailed information on proper wear, care, warnings and precautions, talk to your Eye Care Professional and carefully read the Instructions for Use available on www.e-IFU.com

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