Back to School Eye Health Guide

As kids are going back to school it is important to prioritize eye health and to be educated on how to take care of your vision. According to the CDC, 6.8% of children younger than 18 years old in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Thousands of kids struggle with undiagnosed vision disorders because they are too embarrassed to express their concerns.

Signs you are experiencing vision issues

With schools becoming more competitive, having the ability to see clearly is imperative. By ignoring eye health issues, students can fall behind educationally, have self-esteem issues and run the possibility of prolonging eye diseases and other health issues.

Signs to look for in the classroom:

Discomfort and fatigue: Studying for a prolonged period on a device can cause eye strain and headaches.
Lack of academic growth: If eye diseases remain undiagnosed, students are susceptible to poor performance in school and struggling to retain material.
Short attention span: The teacher may be talking, and a student may think their pencil is the most interesting subject. This behavior is common when material is difficult to see and ultimately understand.
Holding a laptop or book close to the face: If you do this frequently, exhibiting eye motions such as squinting or widening the eyes can contribute to worsening discrepancies.
Trouble when reading: When a teacher calls on you to read a paragraph forgetting your place in a sentence or not comprehending content is abnormal.

If you ignore these signs, you may become part of “more than 600,00 children and teens who are blind or have a vision disorder”. Acknowledging your vision impairments is the first step, the next is contacting your local eye care clinic to schedule an appointment.

Eye care tips for inside and outside the classroom

Being aware of common vision challenges faced by students is valuable, so is knowing how to deal with them. Taking care of your eyesight is the utmost importance because your eyes help you study, read, and write. If you want to prioritize your vision incorporate the following tips:

Maintain a healthy diet: Include vegetables and fruits such as carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens into your lunch box. These foods feature nutrients that help support healthy eyes and may prevent or lessen common vision problems.
Limit screen time: Take breaks from your screen and give your eyes a chance to reset. Go outside, read a book or play a game.
Exercise: To improve hand-eye coordination, there is value in participating in sports.
Wear protective eye gear: Invest in purchasing blue light sunglasses to use when on a device. If you have practice for a particular sports activity do not forget to wear shades or googles.
Wash your hands: Doing this a few times a day helps to reduce germs that often enter our bodies when we touch our eyes.

To maintain healthy eyes, you must implement healthy habits. If you are experiencing vision issues, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision complications and options for your treatment.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Nutrition & Vision: Foods That Actually Help Eye Health

By Bob Berendsen • July 1, 2026

What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy or heart health. It also plays a major role in how well your eyes function over time. While periodic eye exams are important for protecting your vision, a healthy diet can support long-term eye health and may minimize the chances of certain vision problems as you age. At your eye care provider, we often remind patients that healthy vision starts from the inside out. How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health Your vision depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stay healthy. Poor nutrition can contribute to issues such as dry eyes, night vision difficulties, and a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A balanced diet may help protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced damage. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, all play important roles in preserving clear, comfortable vision. Best Foods for Healthy Vision Leafy Green Vegetables Spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants that help filter harmful blue light and protect the retina. Benefits include: Reduced risk of macular degeneration Better protection against light damage Long-term retinal health support Carrots and Orange Vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for good night vision and comprehensive eye function. They help support: Clear low-light vision Healthy corneas Reduced risk of dry eyes Fatty Fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support the oil layer of your tears and help prevent dry eye symptoms. They may help with: Eye moisture and comfort Reduced inflammation Retinal health support Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and blueberries have high counts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients shield the eyes from oxidative stress and may slow age-related damage. Benefits include: Stronger blood vessels in the eyes Lower risk of cataracts Overall antioxidant protection Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that help protect eye cells from damage. They support: Long-term eye cell health Reduced inflammation Protection from age-related vision changes Foods That Promote Long-Term Vision Care No single food can guarantee perfect vision, but a consistent, well-rounded diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can create a meaningful difference. Combining healthy eating with protective measures like UV-blocking sunglasses and regular eye exams provides the best defense for your vision. When Diet Isn’t Enough Even with a healthy diet, vision changes can still occur due to age, genetics, or underlying eye conditions. If you notice blurry vision, increased dryness, difficulty seeing at night, or changes in how you see colors and light, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key in handling conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly affect your vision. Supporting Your Vision From the Inside Out Nutrition is a powerful way to maintain healthy eyes, but it works best as part of a complete eye care routine. Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your eyes functioning at their best for years to come. If you’re concerned about your vision or want to learn more about preserving your eye health, plan a visit with your eye care provider today.