What a Sight to See!: Opening Young Eyes to the Wonders of Vision
- Skyler
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about just how incredible our sense of sight really is. Most of us are born with it, and because vision is such a natural part of daily life, we often take it for granted—until one day it isn’t. Maybe you notice your child squinting at a blurry screen or struggling to read a book, and suddenly you realize just how important good vision really is.
October 9th marks World Sight Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about preventable and treatable eye conditions, especially in children. Worldwide, 1.1 billion people live with untreated vision problems that affect everything from learning to playing to growing up confidently. International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) established World Sight Day to remind people everywhere to care for their eyes and to advocate for accessible, affordable eye care for all.
This year, we at Science Naturally released a beautifully illustrated picture book called How Do You See the World? —a fun and engaging way to introduce children to the amazing science of eyes and vision. Vision isn’t the same for everyone. Some kids might see clearly, while others might experience blurry or partial vision. Understanding this helps us better support their unique way of seeing and learning.
So today, we invite you, parents and caregivers, to take a moment to #LoveYourEyes by focusing on your child’s eye health. Read along with your kids to discover how vision works and learn simple ways to keep their eyes healthy, so they can see the world clearly and confidently.
How Does Vision Work?
Ever wonder what’s actually happening behind the scenes when you open your eyes—but don’t want to get bogged down in medical jargon? Fortunately, the basics of how vision works are surprisingly straightforward.
It all begins with light! Light enters your eye through the pupil, and the iris controls how much light to let in. The cornea and lens work together to bend, or refract, the light so it lands properly on the retina at the back of your eye. The retina contains two types of cells—rods and cones—that absorb light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where the occipital lobe processes them into the images you see.
This seamless chain of events happens in milliseconds, allowing you to recognize faces, read books, enjoy art, and navigate the world.
Understanding Vision Impairment
When the eye’s internal processes are disrupted, even slightly, it can lead to common vision impairments. Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects blurry. Hyperopia (farsightedness) is the opposite—light focuses behind the retina, causing nearby objects to appear out of focus. Fortunately, both conditions are easily managed with corrective lenses, which adjust how light enters the eye so it lands properly on the retina.
Here’s a quick way to give your child a vision check: Have your little one hold a book or tablet and slowly move it closer and farther away. If they complain of blurriness or eye strain, it might be time for a professional eye exam. Remember, this quick test is no replacement for a proper check-up, but it can help you notice early signs that your child might need help!
Living with Low Vision and Blindness
Vision impairment exists on a wide spectrum. Some people live with partial sight—often called low vision—where they may see only light, shadows, or indistinct shapes. Others experience tunnel vision or have blind spots in their field of view. Blindness can range from minimal perception of light to no visual input at all.
For people with significant vision loss, tools like white canes and guide dogs assist with daily navigation. Assistive technologies, including screen readers, braille displays, and text-to-speech software, help make reading and digital access possible. Human assistance also plays a role—from sighted guides in athletic events like the Paralympics to the everyday support of friends and family.
One serious cause of blindness is glaucoma, a condition where increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve. Eye conditions like glaucoma can cause serious vision loss if not caught early. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch problems before they become serious, especially for kids with a family history or other risk factors.
How to Care for Your Child’s Eyes
Understanding vision is only the first step—keeping our eyes healthy is just as important. Here are some tips for how to get started:
Schedule regular eye exams. Kids’ vision can change quickly, so regular check-ups with an optometrist or eye specialist are essential—even if they haven’t complained of problems!
Feed their eyes with good nutrition. Foods rich in vitamins A and C, like carrots, leafy greens, and colorful fruits, help keep eyes healthy.
Limit screen time and encourage breaks. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
Protect eyes from the sun. Make sure your child wears sunglasses with UV protection when outside.
Use safety gear. Whether playing sports or helping with projects, kids should wear protective eyewear to prevent injury.
Build healthy habits early. Teaching kids to care for their eyes now sets them up for a lifetime of better vision. Whether it’s putting on sunglasses before going outside or taking screen breaks during homework, small daily actions can make a big difference. Helping your child understand the importance of eye health today empowers them to protect their sight for years to come.
Learning More Through Books
Our publication How Do You See the World? is a fun, beautifully illustrated way to introduce children to the science of vision. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the book explores how eyes work, how people see differently, and how we can take care of our vision over time.
Whether you’re reading with your child, your class, or a curious young learner, How Do You See the World? offers an engaging opportunity to spark curiosity and conversation. It’s a great way to encourage empathy, scientific thinking, and awareness around the topic of vision—especially on World Sight Day.
A Clearer Vision for the Future
On this World Sight Day, we encourage you to take a moment to think about how vital your vision is—and how you can protect it. Schedule that eye exam. Eat your greens. Read a book about the science of sight. Help the kids in your life understand how their eyes work and why their vision matters. Let’s see what we can discover together!
How Do You See the World?
What is it like to see the world through someone else's eyes? If you’ve ever been curious about how your eyes work, why some people need glasses, or what it means to be nearsighted, How Do You See the World? has the answers!
Discover clear explanations of eye conditions that kids might have or learn about through friends and family, such as amblyopia, astigmatism, color blindness, and glaucoma. Vibrant illustrations show how these conditions might affect what you see. Readers will also learn the science behind how vision works—starting with the basics of light, color, and anatomy.
Filled with fun facts, diagrams, tips about eye health, and even information about invisible light, How Do You See the World? aims to help normalize visual impairments and celebrate the tools and technology that help us see more clearly.
