Notes from the Nurse: March

Vision Health

This month, we are focusing on how to protect and monitor your child’s vision. Vision is a tool that children use when experiencing and interpreting the world around them. Protecting their visual health is key to providing them with the best learning opportunities possible. It is not uncommon for children to have difficulty seeing. In fact, 1 out of 20 preschoolers are already experiencing vision problems. Early recognition and intervention is critical to making sure that your child’s vision is not interfering with their learning.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vision assessment starting at birth and continuing as part of routine health supervision checks. Vision assessment is essential for early detection of conditions that may cause vision loss in young children. Early identification through screening before age 7 years can reduce certain causes of blindness, such as amblyopia ("lazy eye").

Vision Screening

School nurses conduct vision screenings for student's. Regular vision screenings in schools is helpful in detecting potential eye issues early on. By identifying any vision problems, we can make sure your child has the best tools for learning. Seeing clearly isn't just about reading the board; it's about exploring, playing sports, and enjoying hobbies without limitations! If your child has been found to have any suspected vision problem, you will be notified by a referral letter suggesting your child’s eyes be checked by a qualified professional.

You may be able to detect vision problems if you see your child struggle with the following:

Disinterest in distant objects.
Squinting.
Head tilting.
Holding objects very close to the eyes.
Eye rubbing.
Sensitivity to light.
Poor hand-eye coordination.
Disinterest in reading or viewing distant objects.

Tips to protect your child's vision from the CDC:

Limit screen time: Increased screen time can make uncorrected vision problems worse. Limit screen time each day and have your child take frequent breaks to protect their vision. Taking breaks also helps with other near-vision activities like reading, writing, or drawing.

Get enough sleep: Our bodies and eyes heal when we sleep. Without enough sleep, it could be harder for your child's eyes to recover from everyday use or irritants in the environment.

Spend time outdoors: Many children spend hours each day doing near-vision activities. Going outdoors allows them to look at distant objects. This lets their eyes recover from strain and fatigue. Playing outdoors also helps kids to be physically active and get essential vitamin D.

Use protective eyewear and sunglasses: About 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear. If your child is involved in sports or other activities, make sure they wear protective eyewear to avoid injuries. You can also protect your child's eyes from the sun with sunglasses that have 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection. Exposure to UV rays over time can be harmful to the eyes.

Get regular eye exams so an eye doctor can follow your child's vision through development. If anything changes, you can treat and manage your child's vision quickly.

For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/prevention/youth-vision-problems.html

Eye Health

A healthy diet is essential for eye health. Maintaining a diet high in antioxidants will prevent the development of serious eye conditions and ensure your eyes work their best.

TIP: Try to "eat a rainbow" during your day, incorporating many types of foods in many different colors While limiting consumption of unhealthy foods that are processed, contain saturated fats, or are high in sugar.

Illness

When can students return to school after illness?

When symptoms of illness have improved
Symptoms of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, should be resolved for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school
If an antibiotic is warranted (such as for strep throat) the individual may return 24 hours after starting the antibiotic and symptoms have improved

For more information about the flu, go to: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu.html

Reach out to Ms. Peterson if you have any questions.