Safeguarding Vision: Integrating Eye Safety in Pediatric Care and Schools

Children’s eye health is increasingly relying on coordinated action between healthcare and schools—yet while risks from sports and UV are rising, adoption of proven protections is lagging.

Sports are a leading source of pediatric eye injuries—particularly during school and community activities—though many injuries also occur at home and in recreational settings. Prioritizing the use of protective eyewear, schools can reduce the risk of sports-related eye injuries when policies specify sport-appropriate, standards-rated gear. Incorporating this practice into school policies creates a safer environment.

Beyond impact injuries in sports, outdoor time also brings UV exposure risks; for patients who frequently engage in outdoor activities, understanding UV protection is crucial, including using sunglasses that provide 99–100% UVA/UVB protection.

In a cohort of children with rheumatic disease, a study on photoprotection practices found that structured counseling was associated with higher reported use of sun-protective measures (such as regular sunscreen application), underscoring the potential value of clear, tailored messages—even as general-population behaviors may differ.

Beyond injury prevention and UV safety, protecting vision also means detecting developmental conditions early. By linking amblyopia awareness to routine school vision screenings, school health personnel can flag children who need comprehensive eye exams. This proactive stance can reduce future complications by enabling timely treatment of amblyopia and refractive errors, which improves visual outcomes when addressed early.

Even with school programs and pediatric counseling in place, adherence can wane over time, particularly around consistent use of protective eyewear and UV safeguards; addressing these gaps through targeted, parent-centered engagement can strengthen impact.

Developing comprehensive programs that integrate seasonal trends, such as back-to-school eye health checks, ensures year-round vigilance. Sustained education—like recurring parent newsletters, brief in-class safety modules, and annual screening reminders—helps build long-term preventive habits.

Key takeaways

• Coordinate school policies with clinical guidance to normalize sport-appropriate protective eyewear and create safer play environments.
• Pair UV safety counseling with practical adherence supports (reminders, parent-facing materials) to maintain protections over time.
• Use a seasonal cadence—back-to-school checks and high-UV months—to reinforce messages and prompt screenings.
• Ensure clear referral pathways from school vision screenings to comprehensive eye exams to catch amblyopia and refractive errors early.