MATTTAWA - By this time your child has probably gone back to school. You've filled out the enrollment forms, gotten their schedules and checked to see if their medical, dental and vision exams are up to date.

"We've been doing a lot of eye exams these days," Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) Eye Care Director Dr. Jason Bleazard said. "Children's vision is usually checked during regular pediatric appointments. We like to start testing children's eyes in our eye clinic around age three."

Most children have healthy eyes, Bleazard said. However, there are conditions that can threaten good vision. Parents should be aware of signs that might signal a vision problem.

"If your child doesn't seem interested in reading or looking at distant objects, he or she might have trouble with their eyes," Bleazard said. "Also, squinting or turning the head while watching television may be a warning sign."

Parents should always inform their physician if there is a family history of childhood vision problems. The following eye diseases often are hereditary: amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eye), ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), color deficiency (color blindness), farsightedness, near sightedness and astigmatism.

"This is also a good time of the year to discuss eye safety with your children," Bleazard said. "Eye injuries are one of the leading causes of vision loss in children."

There are an estimated 42,000 sports-related eye injuries each year and most of them happen to children. Youths should wear protective eyewear while participating in sports or recreational activities.

"It's also really important that children play with age-appropriate toys, avoid those with sharp objects," Bleazard said.

"We, as parents, should also set a good example for our children by being careful with our own eyes," he concluded.