SE Texas Times

As the state’s leading voluntary eye health and safety organization, Prevent Blindness is dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight. Established in 1965, Prevent Blindness Texas focuses on improving the state’s vision and eye health by educating the community through early detection, patient support, systems enhancement, and public policy. This month is dedicated to Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.

Since school began this month, a child’s vision is essential to their success because uncorrected vision problems can interfere with learning and development, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. One in five children has a vision problem that requires treatment. In Texas, schools require a vision screening for children who enroll in any public, private, parochial, or denominational school or in a Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) licensed childcare center and licensed childcare home in Texas for the first time. The required screenings are for children enrolled in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades and children four years of age or older who are enrolled in a facility for the first time.

You can tell if your child may have eye problems by how they act, what they say, and how they look. Indicators include misaligned eyes; red-rimmed, crusted or swollen eyelids; watery or red eyes; frequent eye rubbing; closing or covering one eye; tilting their head; trouble reading or doing close-up work; excessive blinking; squinting; complaints of itchy or burning eyes; dizziness; or feeling sick after close-up work. If these signs appear, take your child to an eye doctor for further evaluation.

Regular eye exams are recommended for everyone but are especially important for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing vision loss. Changes in the appearance of your eyes or vision should be investigated promptly.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with Prevent Blindness Texas or want additional information please visit Prevent Blindness Texas. Education and involvement are crucial to preserving children's eyesight.

For questions regarding this article's information, contact either my Capitol or District office at any time (Capitol Office: 512-463-0672; District Office: 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.