The importance of eye health education in schools: How to introduce good habits from an early age

Eye health in the context of modern challenges

We live in a digital age, where children spend a significant portion of their time in front of screens from an early age: computers, tablets, phones or televisions. While these technologies have many benefits, their excessive use has a negative impact on eye health. Prolonged staring at screens can lead to so-called digital eye fatigue and, in the long term, myopia, also known as the “myopia epidemic,” which is becoming a global problem.

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050 nearly half of the world's population could be suffering from myopia. This is caused not only by genetics, but more importantly by lifestyles that are changing towards more and more time spent indoors and in front of screens.

The role of schools in prevention

Schools have a tremendous influence on the formation of health habits in children. Introducing eye health education into the curricula can help make young people aware of the importance of taking care of their eyesight. A key component of this education should be building awareness of simple but effective habits that can protect eyes from excessive fatigue and prevent future health problems.

Examples of activities that can be introduced in schools:

1. Regular breaks from screens - teaching children the 20-20-20 rule, which means taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes while looking at an object at least 20 feet (about 6 meters) away.
2. Proper lighting - raising awareness of the importance of proper lighting in the learning environment to minimize eyestrain.
3. Maintaining proper distance from the screen - educating on proper posture and distance from electronic devices (minimum 40 cm from the screen).
4. Time spent outdoors - promoting outdoor activities, which can reduce the risk of myopia.
5. Regular eye examinations - reminding people to have regular check-ups with their eye doctor so that early problems can be quickly identified and treated.

How to implement eye health education in schools?

To successfully implement eye health education into the school curriculum, support from both teachers and parents is essential. Cooperation between school and home can ensure that children have access to consistent information on how to take care of their eyes both in and out of the classroom.

Here are some steps that can help implement such education:

1. Include eye health in educational programs - eye health topics can be introduced in biology, health education, or information technology classes.
2. Training for teachers - teachers should be equipped with the right knowledge and tools to convey information about eye health in an accessible and practical way.
3. Organizing workshops and lectures - inviting specialists, such as optometrists or ophthalmologists, to conduct meetings with students and parents.
4. Educational campaigns - posters, flyers and educational materials at school can further promote awareness among students.

Why act from an early age?

Good habits formed from an early age can pay lifelong dividends. When it comes to eye health, prevention is key. Introducing simple rules, such as regular breaks, avoiding excessive time in front of a screen or proper lighting, can significantly reduce the risk of vision problems in the future. In addition, education in this area teaches children to be responsible for their health, which is also important in other aspects of their lives.

Summary

Eye health education in schools is an investment in our children's future. In an era of increasing digitization and increased use of electronic devices, early introduction of good habits can be crucial for their visual health in adulthood. Schools, in cooperation with parents and professionals, can play an important role in promoting awareness and care for eye health. Every step toward increasing this awareness is a step toward a better quality of life for our children.