Healthy Vision 

Wi About l d

Healthy Vision 

 Agenda Book 

NIH . . . Turning Discovery Into Health®
THIS AGENDA BOOK BELONGS TO:

Name:

Grade:

School/Community Organization Name:

School/Community Organization Address:
Hello!

Welcome to the start of your 

exploration of healthy vision.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) created the Wild About Healthy Vision

Agenda Book just for youth in grades 7–8 as a fun way to keep a calendar

of activities and learn about healthy vision. By learning the Eye Fast Facts

in this Agenda Book, you will play a key role in reducing vision problems and

eye injuries. Be sure to share what you learn with your friends and family

to encourage healthy vision in those around you. Your calendar runs from

August to July and provides interesting Eye Fast Facts, important health

dates, and opportunities for you to keep notes on what you learn during

this journey.

In order to really enjoy your Agenda Book, you will want to have several 

erasable ink pens and No. 2 pencils handy. You may also want to use 

colored pencils, erasable markers, stickers, and a ruler. 

NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in Bethesda, MD. To 

learn more about NEI, visit www.nei.nih.gov.

Enjoy your Agenda Book. NEI thanks you for helping to make your family, 

friends, and community healthier.
Table of Contents 

Time Zone and 

Standard Measurement 

Conversion Resource .......... 4

My Schedule .......................... 5

Community Service 

Record and 

Reading Log ........................... 5

Introduction.......................... 6

Healthy Vision ....................... 8

•	 August Calendar ..........................10

•	 Healthy Vision Word Mix ............. 12

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal.... 13

•	 September Calendar..................... 14

•	 Healthy Vision Word Scramble..... 16

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal....17

•	 October Calendar ........................18

•	 Now What Did We Just Learn

About Healthy Vision? ............... 20

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal....21

•	 Doodle Page .................................22

•	 Notes Page ...................................23
Healthy Eyes .......................25

•	 November Calendar ...................26

•	 Eye Diagram................................28

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..29

•	 December Calendar ...................30

•	 Write It Out—Sentence Stems ..32

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal.. 33

•	 January Calendar .......................34

•	 Now What Did We Just Learn

About Healthy Eyes?.................. 36

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..37

•	 Doodle Page ...............................38

•	 Notes Page .................................39

Eye Disease, 

Early Detection, 

and Treatment .................. 40

•	 February Calendar......................42

•	 Eye Chart Introduction .............44

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..45

•	 March Calendar .........................46

•	 Mad Libs ....................................48

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..49

• April Calendar........................... 50

•	 Now What Did We Just Learn

About Eye Disease, Early 

Detection, and Treatment? .......52

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..53

•	 Doodle Page ...............................54

•	 Notes Page .................................55

Eye Safety............................56

•	 May Calendar .............................58

•	 Crossword Puzzle...................... 60

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..61

•	 June Calendar ............................62

•	 Word Search...............................64

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..65

•	 July Calendar .............................66

•	 Now What Did We Just Learn

About Eye Safety?......................68

•	 Live and Learn Health Journal..69

•	 Doodle Page .............................. 70

• 	 Notes Page .................................71

Glossary ............................... 72

Answer Key ........................ 73
HAWAIIALEUTIAN

1PM

ALASKA

2PM

PACIFIC

3PM

MOUNTAIN

4PM

CENTRAL

5PM

EASTERN

6PM

Length

1 foot \ ft = 12 inches \ in

1 yard \ yd = 3 feet \ ft

1 yard \ yd = 36 inches \ in

1 mile \ mi = 1,760 yards \ yd

Area

1 sq foot \ ft = 144 sq inches \ in

1 sq yard \ yd = 9 sq feet \ ft

1 acre = 4,840 sq yards \ yd

1 acre = 43,560 sq feet \ ft

Volume

1 tablespoon \ tbsp = 3 teaspoons \ tsp

1 fluid ounce \ fl oz = 2 tablespoons \ tbsp

1 cup = 8 fluid ounces \ fl oz 

1 pint \ pt = 2 cups

1 pint \ pt = 16 fluid ounces \ fl oz 

1 quart \ qt = 2 pints \ pt 

1 gallon \ gal = 4 quarts \ qt

1 gallon \ gal = 128 fluid ounces \ fl oz 

 Time Zone and 

Standard Measurement 

Conversion Resource

4
Subject Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

My Schedule

Location of 

Community Service

Number 

of Hours

What did 

you do? Site Supervisor Signature

Title of Book Author Book Genre Date 

Reading

Hours 

Spent

Reading

Community Service Record and Reading Log Page

Directions: Some schools require reading hours and community service hours. Here is a page just for you to log 

any reading and community service hours you have accumulated. If your school does not require these hours, it is 

still great to log any reading or community service you have done!

5
Hi there!

Our names are Isabella

Liam

 and 

 and we will be your 

guides as you explore your 

Agenda Book.

6
Our journey begins in August and runs through July.

You can record assignments, list important dates, and 

organize your extracurricular activities. You also have a

special place for journaling to make notes on the things 

that you learn about keeping your eyes healthy.

Just like in sports, it’s 

important to practice so we can 

remember what we’ve learned. So, after each 

journal, we have “Action Items.” This is where you 

can write how you are going to practice the new 

things you’ve learned. We’ll be with you along the 

whole journey while you work to become 

“Wild About Healthy Vision!”

Let’s go!

We have a lot to learn about 

healthy eyes on our journey this 

year and we are going to have so 

much fun, too! We’ll learn about 

eye safety, first aid for eye injuries,

eye diseases, and early detection 

and treatment of eye disease.

7
Healthy 

Vision

8
We use our eyes from the 

time we open them in the 

morning until we close them 

at night. Our eyes help us see

our favorite things, see where 

we’re going, do our homework, 

play sports, and lots of other 

things. So, it’s important that 

we take care of our eyes.

Did you know that healthy vision 

begins with you? Keep your eyes 

healthy by eating right, choosing 

a wide variety of fruits and 

vegetables, wearing eye protection 

when playing sports, and washing 

your hands before putting them 

close to your eyes.

We also have some 

fun Eye Fast Facts that 

we will share. Throughout our 

healthy vision journey, we will list 

three Eye Fast Facts with you 

each month. These will help you 

learn about your eyes, as well as 

how to keep them healthy. 

As you go 

through your 

Agenda Book calendar, 

you will notice that 

we have listed important 

observances like Children’s Eye 

Health and Safety Month and 

Home Eye Safety Month to 

help remind you about health 

observances for you, your 

family, and friends. 

9
AUGUST

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

10
did you know that August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month? Vision 

problems can keep you from doing your best in school, sports, and other fun social activities. 

If you or one of your friends is having trouble seeing things at school or while playing sports, 

tell an adult so that you or your friend can visit the eye doctor.

eye fast fact 

Batters Matter: Baseball is 

the leading cause of sportsrelated eye injury in kids 

age 14 and younger.

eye fast fact 

Eye Spy: Eye injuries 

among youth ages 11 to 

14 often happen while 

playing sports. 

eye 

fast 

fact 

Eye Catching: 

Children under 

age 15 account 

for 43 percent 

of all sports and 

recreational eye 

injuries. 

?

11
Healthy Vision Word Mix

Directions: Write down as many words as you 

can by combining the letters of the words below.

HEALTHY VISION

Having healthy vision is 

important for reading and 

writing. How many words 

were you able to create?

12
Live and Learn Health Journal

Don’t forget about your Action 

Item! Remember the Eye Fast Facts we 

shared with you this month! Think about 

how much your eyes do for you. Note how 

your life would change if you didn’t have 

your eyesight.

Here is your first opportunity to

use your “Live and Learn Health Journal.” 

You will find a blank page like this at the end

of each month to make notes on things that 

you learned and to remind yourself about 

healthy vision habits. 

13
september

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

14
eye fast facts: Fact or Myth?

Myth—If you eat carrots, you will have good eyesight. 

Fact—The vitamin A in carrots helps eyes function well, but it is just one important 

factor for good eyesight.

Myth—Reading in dim light is harmful to your eyes. 

Fact—Although reading in dim light makes your eyes feel tired, it is not harmful.

Did you know 

that September is Sports Eye Safety Month? There are 

thousands of eye injuries a year related to sports and hazards 

around the house. When you’re outside this month, remember 

these first aid tips for your eyes:

i If particles, like sand or dust, get into your eyes, don’t rub! 

Immediately wash your eyes out with water.

i If you get hit in the eye with a ball, rock, or elbow, gently 

put a cold compress on your eye for 15 minutes. This should 

make the swelling go down and relieve the pain. Have an 

adult take you to the doctor!

i If an object like a stick or pencil gets stuck in your eye, do 

not pull it out. This is very serious! Have an adult put a loose 

bandage on your eye. Don’t put any pressure on the object. 

Have an adult take you to the doctor immediately.

?

eye 

fast 

fact

Eye Wear: More 

than half of all 

people in the 

United States use 

some type of lens 

to correct their 

vision. 

15
Healthy Vision Word Scramble

Directions: Complete the Word Scramble to 

learn about words related to healthy vision.

lesbalab

ltehayh

tceptornoi

tmavini a

onentaiimxa

srpsot

feasyt

sprcomse

treaw

Word Bank:

healthy vitamin a baseball

compress protection safety

sports water examination

16
Remember your Action Item for 

this month! What are some of the 

things that you like to do that can 

keep you healthy and happy? 

It’s time for your 

“Live and Learn Health 

Journal.” How did you use your 

Action Item from last month? 

What did you learn?

Live and Learn Health Journal

17
October

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

18
?

eye fast fact 

Think Blink: Blinking helps 

keep your eyes from getting 

too dry. You blink every two to 

10 seconds. Be sure to blink 

while you read or work on your 

computer.

eye 

fast 

fact 

Eye Armor: Your 

body protects 

your eyes. Bony 

eye sockets guard 

against impact, 

eyebrows provide 

shade, eyelids and 

eyelashes keep 

things out of the 

eyes, and tear ducts 

moisten the eyes.

did you know that October is Home Eye Safety 

Month? Eye injuries from toys, sports, and home/yard chores put your vision 

at risk. Make vision a health priority! Make sure that your parents check with 

your family physician or eye doctor about healthy vision and eye safety to 

prevent eye injuries in your family. 

eye fast fact 

Shutter Flutter: When you 

blink, you shut your eyes for 

0.3 seconds. That’s a total of 

30 minutes per day!

19
Now What Did We Just Learn About 

Healthy Vision? 

These three months went 

by quickly! What did we learn about 

healthy vision? Let’s review our 

healthy vision reminders and 

Eye Fast Facts.

October Eye Fast Facts

• Your body protects your eyes. Bony

eye sockets guard against impact, 

eyebrows provide shade, eyelids and 

eyelashes keep things out of the eyes, 

and tear ducts moisten the eyes. 

• Blinking helps keep your eyes from

getting too dry. Make sure that you 

blink while you read or work on your 

computer.

• When you blink, you shut your eyes

for 0.3 seconds. That’s a total of 30 

minutes per day! 

September Eye Fast Facts

• Fact—The vitamin A in carrots helps

eyes function well, but it is just one 

important factor for good eyesight.

• Fact—Although reading in dim light

makes your eyes feel tired, it is not 

harmful.

• More than half of all people in the

United States use some type of lens 

to correct their vision.

August Eye Fast Facts

• Children under age 15 account

for 43 percent of all sports and 

recreational eye injuries.

• Eye injuries among kids ages

11 to 14 often happen while 

playing sports. 

• Baseball is the leading cause of

sports-related eye injury in kids 

age 14 and younger.

Healthy Vision Reminders 

• Healthy vision begins with you.

• You keep your eyes healthy by

eating right, choosing a wide 

variety of fruits and vegetables, 

wearing eye protection when 

playing sports, and washing your 

hands before putting them close 

to your eyes.

20
Also, include 

how this journal 

has helped you during 

the past three months 

and how you feel 

about it.

Now that you’ve begun to 

organize your activities and make plans for your

everyday life, use your journal and describe 

what Healthy Vision means to you and how it 

impacts your life. 

Live and Learn Health Journal

21
Sometimes we just want to 

have fun. Here is your first

Doodle page to be creative and 

express yourself.

22
Notes

Also, sometimes we need extra room to 

help us organize our responsibilities or write

out our thoughts. Use these notes pages to 

organize your thoughts or responsibilities.

23
We know healthy vision is really important. 

Because we’re growing up, we’ve really 

got to take this business of healthy eyes 

seriously. Think of all the things that you 

noted in your journal that you couldn’t 

enjoy without your eyes! Your eyes are as 

important as the rest of your body.

It’s really 

important that 

we pay attention to 

any changes in how we 

see. If you’re having 

trouble with your eyes, 

like blurry vision, you 

should tell an adult so 

you can visit the 

eye doctor. 

Here are some tips 

on the next page that can 

help you take care of your eyes 

in school and while you are 

playing sports.

Our lives would really

change if we didn’t have 

healthy eyes or couldn’t see at all. 

It’s scary, isn’t it? Remember to take 

care of your eyes so that you can see 

all you can see. An important part of 

healthy eyes is knowing how you can 

prevent and treat eye problems! 

24
Healthy 

Eyes

In School:

•	 Walk, don’t run, with sharp objects such as 	

scissors, pens, pencils, and rulers. 

•	 Use good lighting to avoid tiring your eyes

	 when reading, writing, or surfing the Internet.

•	 Tell an adult if your eyes are bothering you.

•	 Wear proper eye protection when doing

hobbies, chores, or school assignments 

that use chemicals.

•	 Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB

radiation from the sun.

•	 Never look directly at the sun.

In Sports:

•	 Wear a helmet when biking, 	 	

skateboarding, or roller-skating.

•	 Wear proper eye protection 	 	

when playing sports. 

25
november

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

26
?

eye fast facts: Fact or Myth?

Myth—There is no need to check your eyes until you are in your 40s and 50s.

Fact—Eye problems can affect people of all ages.

Myth—If you need eyeglasses, your eyes are not healthy. 

Fact—Wearing eyeglasses has nothing to do with eye health, but rather with normal 

 changes in parts of your eyes.

Did you know 

that November is Diabetic 

Eye Disease Month? 

Diabetes is a serious 

disease that can cause 

blindness. Diabetic eye 

disease refers to a group of 

eye problems that people 

with diabetes may face. 

The most common diabetic 

eye disease is diabetic 

retinopathy, which damages 

the blood vessels in the 

eye. This month, discuss 

your health history with 

your family and encourage 

the adults in your life with 

diabetes to have a dilated 

eye exam at least once a 

year. 

eye 

fast 

fact 

Go the Distance: 

When using a 

computer, adjust 

the lighting and sit 

at least 20 inches 

away from the 

screen in order to 

reduce glare.

27
Macula (MACK-yoo-luh) is the 

small, sensitive area of the 

retina that gives central vision. It 

contains the fovea. 

Lens (Lenz) is the clear part of 

the eye behind the iris that helps 

to focus light on the retina; it 

allows the eye to focus on both 

far and near objects.

Eyelid (I-lid) is the skin-covered 

structure that protects the front 

of the eye. It limits the amount 

of light that enters the eye and 

spreads tears over the cornea.

Iris (I-ris) is the colored part of 

the eye; it regulates the amount 

of light entering the eye.

Pupil (PYOO-puhl) is the opening 

at the center of the iris. The iris 

adjusts the size of the pupil and 

controls the amount of light that 

can enter the eye. 

Cornea (KOR-nee-uh) is the clear 

outer part of the focusing system; 

it is located at the front of the eye.

Sclera (SKLEH-ruh) is the tough, 

white, outer coat of the eye.

Vitreous humor 

(VIT-ree-us HU-mur) is the clear 

gel filling the inside of the eye.

Fovea (FOH-vee-uh) is the 

center of the macula; gives 

the sharpest vision 

Optic nerve (OP-tic nurv)

is the bundle of more than 1 

million nerve fibers that carries 

visual messages from the eye to 

the brain. 

Retina (RE-tin-uh) is the 

light-sensitive tissue 

lining the back of the 

eyeball; it sends 

electrical impulses 

to the brain.

Check out the definitions

to the left to learn what 

each part of the eye does.

Eye Diagram

Eyelid

Lens

Macula

Fovea

Retina

Vitreous humor

Sclera

Cornea

Pupil

Iris

Optic nerve

Let’s look at the eye diagram 

above to learn how our eyes 

work to allow us to see.

28
Sometimes it can be challenging 

to start new habits, so think 

about one tip that you 

learned this month that you 

can remember as a lifelong 

healthy vision tip. 

For example, using good 

lighting to avoid tiring 

your eyes.

Live and Learn Health Journal

29
DECEMBER

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

30
Did you know 

that December is Safe 

Toys and Gifts Month? 

Remember these helpful 

eye safety tips when playing 

with your new toys this 

month: 

f Playing baseball? Wear 

sports eye guards and a 

face guard attached to 

your helmet.

f Playing basketball or 

soccer? Wear sports eye 

guards.

f Playing football? Wear a 

face mask and sports eye 

guards.

f Playing hockey? Wear a 

face mask and sports eye 

guards.

f Playing any sport? Check 

with your eye doctor 

to find out the right 

protective eyewear for 

helping you avoid eye 

injuries. 

?

eye fast facts: Fact or Myth?

Myth—Using a computer or video display terminal (VDT) is harmful to your eyes. 

Fact—Using a computer or VDT may strain or tire your eyes, but it is not harmful.

Myth—Never sit too close to the TV.

Fact—There is no scientific evidence that sitting too close to the TV is bad for your eyes.

eye 

fast 

fact 

Board Boys: 

Sixty percent of 

skateboard injuries 

occur among 

youth under age 

15. Most injuries 

occur among boys.

31
Write It Out—Sentence Stems

Directions: Fill in the blanks below to complete the sentence. 

When I get up in the morning, 

my eyes help me see_____________________

__________________________________________.

My favorite things to look at outside are 

__________________________ because _____________

________________________________________________.

My favorite colors to see are ______________________

because _______________________________. 

When I go to school, I’m glad I can see ______________

_________________________________________________.

I know when I play my favorite sports I should wear 

______________________ because _______________

_________________________________.

See if you can fill in the

blanks above to test 

your “Eye-Q.”

An important part of 

healthy eyes is knowing 

what your eyes do for 

you and thinking about 

how you can protect 

them daily. 

32
Next time 

that you or your 

friends play, remember 

to gear up for the game 

and wear the right 

protective eyewear. 

Healthy eyes are really important. 

We have to think about our eyes even when we are playing. 

Share in your journal what sports you and/or your friends 

play and which ones require protective eyewear. If you or 

your friends participate in sports, do you or your friends 

wear the right protective eyewear? 

Live and Learn Health Journal

33
JANUARY

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

34
did you know that January is National Glaucoma Awareness 

Month? The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, 

damages the optic nerve in the eye and is usually seen in adults. Become a 

glaucoma detective this month! Find out if glaucoma runs in your family and ?

help spread glaucoma awareness to stop the “sneak thief of sight!”

eye 

fast 

fact 

History Lesson: 

English optician 

Samuel Pierce 

invented bifocals 

around 1775.

eye fast fact 

Family Matters: Anyone can get 

glaucoma, but some people are at 

higher risk: 

l African Americans over the age 

of 40. 

l Everyone over 60, especially 

Mexican Americans.

l People with a family history of 

the disease. 

Does glaucoma run in your family?

eye fast fact 

Eyes All Around: Scorpions 

have as many as 12 eyes and 

some flatworms have more 

than 100 eyes scattered all 

over their bodies. 

35
Now What Did We Just Learn About 

Healthy Eyes? 

January Eye Fast Facts

• English optician Samuel Pierce

invented bifocals around 1775.

• Scorpions have as many as 12 eyes

and some flatworms have more than

100 eyes scattered all over their 

bodies. 

• Anyone can get glaucoma, but some

people are at higher risk: 

- African Americans over the

 age of 40.

 - Everyone over 60, especially 

 Mexican Americans.

- People with a family history of

 the disease.

December Eye Fast Facts

• Sixty percent of skateboard injuries

occur among youth under age 15. 

Most injuries occur among boys.

• Fact—Using a computer or video

display terminal (VDT) may strain or 

tire your eyes, but it is not harmful.

•	 Fact—There is no scientific

evidence that sitting too close to the 

TV is bad for your eyes.

November Eye Fast Facts

• Fact—Eye problems can affect

people of all ages.

•	 Fact—Wearing eyeglasses has

nothing to do with eye health, 

but rather with normal changes 

in parts of your eyes.

•	 When using a computer,

adjust the lighting and sit at 

least 20 inches away from the 

screen in order to reduce glare.

Healthy Vision Reminders 

• Taking care of your eyes is not just for

older people; it’s for everyone.

•	 An important part of healthy vision is

knowing how you can prevent and treat 

eye problems. 

•	 Remember your tips for taking care of

your eyes in school and while you are 

playing sports. 

 

three m

36
Also, remember to note what 

you have learned about healthy 

vision that can help prevent future eye 

injuries and teach others about 

eye disease. 

Do any of your friends and/or 

family members have an eye disease? Or has

anyone you know ever had an eye injury? 

Share in your journal any experiences that 

you or someone you know has had with 

eye disease or eye injury. 

Live and Learn Health Journal

37
38
Notes Pages

39
Eye Disease, 

Early Detection, 

and Treatment

40
It is important to know about 

your family’s vision history, but 

it’s also important to know about 

other parts of your family’s 

health history that might result 

in damage to the eyes. 

 Early detection 

is a must in order to receive 

treatment. You can be an important 

part of getting someone else you know 

to get an eye exam.

Also, if you or a family member 

has diabetes and doesn’t take 

care of the disease, diabetic eye 

disease can creep up, too! Be sure 

to visit the doctor learn more about 

diabetes and eye disease. 

Don’t forget 

to check out the 

important calendar 

observances this quarter, 

like Low Vision Awareness 

Month and Workplace 

Eye Wellness 

Month.

41
febrUARY

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

42
did you know that February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and 

Low Vision Awareness Month? AMD is an eye disease that affects the small area in the 

middle of the retina called the macula and can cause vision loss by destroying the central 

vision of the eye. Low vision means that even with regular eyeglasses, contact lenses, 

medicine, or surgery, people find daily activities difficult to do. Reading the mail, shopping, 

cooking, watching TV, and writing can be challenging for people with low vision. Encourage 

the adults in your life to see an eye doctor if they have trouble with these tasks. 

eye fast fact 

Sea of Color: Tropical fish 

and many brightly colored 

animals have more color 

vision cells than people do. 

They can see colors that 

people cannot.

eye fast fact 

Hawk Eyes: Hawks’ 

and eagles’ eyes are 

specialized to let them see 

almost eight times better 

than humans. 

eye 

fast 

fact 

Blind Spot: Around 

the world, an adult 

goes blind every 

five seconds and 

a child goes blind 

every minute.

?

43
Eye Chart Introduction

Directions: Cover one eye and see if you can read all the letters. 

then cover your other eye and try to read the letters. 

Your eye doctor 

may ask you to 

read an eye chart 

like this one.

Sometimes going 

to an eye doctor can be 

a little scary because of 

the different equipment 

you may see during your 

visit, but if you get 

to know some of the 

procedures, it won’t 

seem so scary. 

44
This is a great place to write your 

thoughts about what you feel and think, as well as what 

you learned. The time that you spend journaling can 

really help you think about making good health 

decisions for the rest of your life.

In your journal, 

share how you can help 

someone with low vision complete 

daily activities they might have trouble 

doing. Remember that every five

seconds, one adult goes blind. Think 

about and share what ways you are 

determined to take care of your eyes 

now to prevent going blind as an adult.

Live and Learn Health Journal

45
march

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

46
? did you know that March is Workplace Eye Wellness 

Month? Eye injuries not only happen to children while they are 

playing, but they can also happen to adults while they are working. 

Encourage the adults in your life to wear the right protective 

eyewear for their job to prevent unnecessary eye injuries. 

eye fast fact 

Bouncing Back: 

Basketball leads all sports 

in the number of eye 

injuries to young people 

ages 15 to 24.

eye fast fact 

Prevent the Event: Ninety 

percent of eye injuries 

could be prevented with 

better eye safety habits, 

such as using protective 

eyewear. 

eye 

fast 

fact 

Vision Chronicles: 

The retina is 

about the size of 

a postage stamp. 

It has 130 million 

light-sensitive cells. 

47
Mad libs

After school today, we grabbed our <adjective>  equipment and <verb> to the 

<name of place> 

 where we could 

 <verb> 

 basketball. It’s our <adjective>  game. We 

all remembered to wear our safety goggles. I was the <title> 

 of my team 

and Jacob was the 

 <another title> 

 of his. Since my <noun>  won the tip-off, we 

got the <name of sports equipment>

first. 

Our team got a basket right away, but then a really

 <adjective> 

 player on 

Jacob’s team got the ball and hit a 

<number>

 point shot. Even though he 

was on the other team, it was an 

<exclamation>

 shot! We played for about 

 <number>

 minutes before we took a break to eat our

 <food item> 

 and drink some 

<name of beverage> . When we were finished, we

<past tense verb>

 everything in the 

<name of 

household item>

 and started to 

 <action verb> 

 again.

Each of the teams had <adjective> 

 players and the score was <adjective>  . 

We had some close calls where the <name of sports equipment> 

 almost hit a few 

people in the 

 <name of body part> 

, but luckily, each time it missed. Everyone had 

their safety goggles on, which was good. We decided to play for <number> 

more minutes when all of the sudden, it started to 

<type of weather>

 really hard. 

Everyone picked up their 

 <plural noun> 

 and 

 <action verb> 

 someplace <adjective> . We 

had a great 

 <noun> 

 and no one got hurt.

I like to use different words in my 

Mad Libs to make funny stories. 

Try reading the story and putting in 

your own funny words.

Then complete the 

Mad Libs by filling

in the most appropriate 

words that would describe 

how you would feel if this 

happened to you.

Directions: Fill in the blanks 

below to complete the story. 

48
What did you learn this past 

month about eye disease, 

prevention, and treatment?

Live and Learn Health Journal

Don’t forget to write 

your Action Item on what 

you can do this upcoming 

month to spread awareness 

about eye disease, early 

detection, and treatment 

to your family and friends!

49
april

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

50
did you know that April is Women’s Eye Health and 

Safety Month? Although the greatest risk factor for age-related 

macular degeneration (AMD) is age, gender may also be a risk factor for 

developing the disease. Women may be at greater risk than men for developing 

AMD. Encourage the adult women in your life (a teacher, mother, grandmother, 

aunt) to see an eye doctor and talk about their risk factors for developing AMD.

eye fast fact 

Emergency Urgency: 

Every 13 minutes, someone 

in the United States goes to 

a hospital emergency room 

for a sports-related eye 

injury. Protect your eyes! 

eye 

fast 

fact 

Color Blind: One in 

every 12 males is color 

blind. Color blind does 

not mean that you see 

in black and white, but 

that you have trouble 

telling the difference 

between certain colors.

?

eye fast fact 

Reflections: Your dog’s or cat’s 

eyes glow in the dark because of 

tapetum, silver “mirrors” in the 

back of its eyes, which gives it 

superior night vision.

51
Now What Did We Just Learn About 

Eye Disease, Early Detection, 

and Treatment? 

April Eye Fast Facts

• One in every 12 males is color blind.

Color blind does not mean that you see 

in black and white, but that you have 

trouble telling the difference between 

certain colors.

• Every 13 minutes, someone in the

United States goes to a hospital 

emergency room for a sports-related 

eye injury. Protect your eyes!

• Your dog’s or cat’s eyes glow in the

dark because of tapetum, silver 

“mirrors” in the back of its eyes, which 

gives them superior night vision.

March Eye Fast Facts

• The retina is about the size of a

postage stamp. It has 130 million 

light-sensitive cells. 

• Basketball leads all sports in the

number of eye injuries to young 

people ages 15 to 24.

• Ninety percent of eye injuries could

be prevented with better eye safety 

habits, such as using protective 

eyewear.

February Eye Fast Facts

• Around the world, an adult goes

blind every five seconds and a

child goes blind every minute.

•	 Tropical fish and many brightly

colored animals have more color 

vision cells than people do. 

They can see colors that people 

cannot.

•	 Hawks’ and eagles’ eyes are

specialized to let them see almost

eight times better than humans.

Let’s review what we 

have learned.

Healthy Vision Reminders 

• It’s important to know your family’s

vision history, but it’s also important to 

know about other parts of your family’s 

health history that might result in 

damage to the eyes.

•	 Also, if you or a family member has

diabetes and doesn’t take care of the 

disease, diabetic eye disease can creep 

up, too! Be sure to visit the doctor 

to learn more about diabetes and eye 

disease.

•	 Early detection is a must to avoid

preventable vision loss. So if you, a 

member of your family, or a friend 

notice problems with your vision, make 

sure you see an eye doctor. You can be 

an important part of getting someone 

else’s eyes examined.

52
I never knew that 

women may have a higher 

chance of developing certain 

eye diseases. I wouldn’t want 

myself or another woman 

in my family to lose their 

vision because they did not 

take care of their vision.

Yeah, well, I didn’t know that so many 

of us boys are color blind. In your journal, share 

other things that you’ve learned over these three 

months that you did not know before and who 

you plan on sharing it with. 

Live and Learn Health Journal

53
54
Notes Pages

55
Eye Safety

Eye Safety Tips:

Read the tips below to learn more about how to protect your eyes from injury:

•	 Remove trash from lawns to get rid of anything that could fly in your eyes while mowing.

•	 Wear safety goggles while mowing your lawn.

•	 Use guards on all power equipment to cut down on flying debris.

•	 Avoid toys with sharp points, spikes, and dangerous edges.

•	 Avoid toys that fly and/or launch things into the air.

•	 Keep BB guns away from others and use them only with an adult.

•	 Don’t play with fireworks!

56
Learning about 

your eyes and helping your 

family become and stay healthy 

is important work. Be sure to 

acknowledge this observance: 

Healthy Vision Month.

Check 

out these eye 

safety tips shown 

on the left.

Eye injury is just as serious 

as eye disease. In fact, eye 

injuries are the leading cause 

of blindness in children in the 

United States. 

Remember that 

our eyes have some natural 

protection. Bony eye sockets protect 

our eyes from getting hit; eyebrows keep 

some light out of our eyes; and eyelids 

and eyelashes keep tiny things, like dust 

particles, out of our eyes. 

57
may

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

58
did you know that 

May is Healthy Vision Month? 

Unhealthy habits such as 

smoking can increase the risk 

of some eye diseases. This 

includes age-related macular 

degeneration and cataract, 

which form when the lens of 

the eye grows cloudy. Stay 

smoke free and encourage 

the adults in your life to quit 

smoking.

eye 

fast 

fact 

Seeing Red: People 

sometimes have red 

eyes in photographs, 

especially those taken 

with a flash, because 

light reflects off of 

the retina.

?

eye fast fact: Fact or Myth?

Myth—You can wear out your eyes.

Fact—Eyes do not wear out. You can use them as much as you want. 

eye fast fact 

Makeup Make Over: If you 

wear makeup, apply eye 

makeup carefully, and don’t 

overdo it. Many people get 

tiny objects in their eyes or 

develop allergies when putting 

on or wearing makeup.

59
1 2

 

3

10 4

5 6

7

8

9

Crossword Puzzle

Across

1. A disease sometimes called the “sneak thief of sight”

3. A condition when the lens of the eye grows cloudy 

4. Adults with diabetes should have one at least 

once a year 

6. Eyes do this to keep from getting too dry 

7. Be careful when playing with these because they can 

cause eye injuries, too

8. Use these to protect your eyes from ultraviolet A 

(UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays 

9. An unhealthy behavior that can increase your risk of 

eye disease

Down

2. The type of sunrays that can damage your eyes

5. Best to wear these when playing basketball or baseball 

10. Eye armor that keeps things out of your eyes

Directions: Complete the Crossword Puzzle using the hints provided below.

Think back on 

what we’ve learned 

to figure out each

answer.

Sometimes we 

forget things like 

our homework and 

birthdays, but here 

are some hints 

so that you don’t 

forget about eye 

safety. 

60
Share what you would like to 

do this summer and how your 

plans for fun in the sun include 

the necessary UV protection.

Also, let’s make 

a goal about eye safety. 

What can you do next month 

to set an example for proper eye 

safety for your family and friends? 

Share your goal and Action Items 

to achieve this goal next month 

in your journal, too. 

Live and Learn Health Journal

61
june

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

62
DID YOU KNOW that June is Fireworks Safety Month? Most fireworks 

injuries occur during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July. 

Fireworks and celebrations go together, but there are precautions that you can 

take to prevent eye injuries. The best defense against suffering from severe eye 

injuries and burns is not to play with fireworks. Be a big help and keep things 

that could be dangerous to the eyes away from your brothers and sisters, as ? well as other children who are younger than you.

eye fast fact 

Rods and Cones: Light-sensitive 

cells in the retina include rods and 

cones. Rods let us see shape and 

movement. Cones combine three 

main colors—red, blue, and green—

to let us see thousands of colors.

eye 

fast 

fact 

Big Bang: An eye 

is one of the most 

common body 

parts to get injured 

in a fireworks 

accident.

eye fast fact 

My Eye: Your eye is 

always making tiny, jittery 

movements. Each time your 

eye moves, it receives new 

information. This continuous 

supply of new information 

helps you see images. 

63
Word Search

Remember to do/use this and ask your family about it:

BLINK

FAMILY HISTORY

SUNGLASSES

EYE EXAM

EYE PROTECTION

Remember to avoid or be careful with these:

FIREWORKS

SMOKING

ULTRAVIOLET RAYS

DIABETES

TOYS

PLAYGROUND

Directions: Complete the Word Search 

using the list of terms provided below.

L A E S R V M W M G E C A W O

S E S S A L G N U S H N E F Q

Z I Q Q Z J R M A X O Y M A D

M A X E E Y E D K O E I I M Z

T B M O B E H N Z P M Y X I P

P E A A B Z J U R D T A Z L J

U L T R A V I O L E T R A Y S

T O Y S K Z T R U G D J F H V

L H Z N V E L G J N I W D I W

K D I M C S K Y R I A T R S N

S L S T V L Z A V K B X B T V

B Q I S B T D L Q O E H G O K

S O U U Q O R P B M T K Z R S

N F I R E W O R K S E M Y Y K

N Y Z Z X Z T M J V S X Z Y B

Have you ever 

played hideand-seek? Let’s 

have some fun 

with words. 

Look very 

carefully and see 

how many of the 

hidden words you 

can find.

64
Look at the different eye disease simulations to the 

right to find out what it’s like to see the same picture

with normal vision, with glaucoma, with a cataract, 

with diabetic retinopathy, and with age-related macular 

degeneration. Note in your journal the differences in what 

you see in the pictures after you look at each simulation. 

Normal

Glaucoma

Cataract

Diabetic retinopathy

Age-related 

macular degeneration

Live and Learn Health Journal

65
july

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

66
did you know that July is Ultraviolet Safety Month? Going outside? 

Don’t forget to slip on your sunglasses with the right ultraviolet (UV) protection. 

Sunglasses or a baseball cap can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays produced 

by the sun. Look for sunglasses that block at least 98 percent of both UVA and UVB 

rays. Be sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses even when it’s cloudy, because ?

UV radiation is just as bad on a cloudy day as it is on a sunny day.

eye fast fact 

Lucky Lenses: Experts 

recommend ultra-strong 

polycarbonate lenses for eye 

protection. Make sure that 

they are used with sportsappropriate frames 

or goggles.

eye fast fact 

Night Owl: Many animals have 

good night vision. For example, 

on a moonlit night, an owl can 

see a mouse moving more than 

150 feet away.

eye 

fast 

fact 

Size Wise: Each eye 

weighs 1⁄4 ounce, 

measures less than 

1 inch in diameter, 

and is shaped like a 

slightly flattened ball.

67
Now What Did We Just Learn About 

Eye Safety? 

July Eye Fast Facts

• Each eye weighs 1⁄4 ounce, measures

less than 1 inch in diameter, and is 

shaped like a slightly flattened ball.

• Many animals have good night vision.

For example, on a moonlit night, an 

owl can see a mouse moving more than 

150 feet away.

• Experts recommend ultra-strong

polycarbonate lenses for eye 

protection. Make sure that they are 

used with sports-appropriate frames 

or goggles.

June Eye Fast Facts 

• An eye is one of the most common

body parts to get injured in a fireworks

accident.

• Light-sensitive cells in the retina include

rods and cones. Rods let us see shape 

and movement. Cones combine three 

main colors—red, blue, and green—to let

us see thousands of colors.

• Your eye is always making tiny, jittery

movements. Each time your eye moves, 

it receives new information. This 

continuous supply of new information 

helps you see images.

May Eye Fast Facts

• Fact—Eyes do not wear out.

You can use them as much as 

you want.

• People sometimes have red eyes

in photographs, especially those 

taken with a flash, because light

reflects off of the retina.

•	 If you wear makeup, apply eye

makeup carefully, and don’t overdo 

it. Many people get tiny objects in 

their eyes or develop allergies when 

putting on or wearing makeup.

Healthy Vision Reminders 

• Eye injuries are the leading cause

of blindness in children in the 

United States. 

•	 Our eyes have some natural

protection. Bony eye sockets 

protect our eyes from getting hit; 

eyebrows keep some light out of 

our eyes; and eyelids and eyelashes 

keep tiny things, like dust particles, 

out of our eyes.

•	 Remember your eye safety tips.

Now what 

did we just 

learn?

68
It’s been great sharing this journey 

with you. We’ve learned so much about our eyes 

over the past year. Please share what you’ve

learned about healthy vision; healthy 

eyes; eye diseases, early detection, and 

treatment; and eye safety.

How do you plan 

on using this information 

in your life? How do you think 

it will change the way you treat 

your eyes as you grow older? 

Live and Learn Health Journal

69
70
Notes Pages

Well, this is your last notes page. 

We’ve learned a lot on our journey, 

but it is up to you to apply what 

you’ve learned.

71
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 

(age-ree-lay-ted mack-yoo-ler dee-gen-er-RAYshun) is the leading cause of blindness in older 

adults. AMD gradually destroys the macula, which 

provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing 

objects clearly.

A cataract (KAT-uh-rakt) forms when the lens 

of the eye grows cloudy. The cloudy lens can be 

replaced with a plastic lens in a usually safe and 

successful surgery.

The cornea (KOR-nee-uh) is the clear outer part of 

the focusing system that is located at the front of 

the eye.

Diabetic retinopathy 

(die-uh-BEH-tic reh-tin-AHP-uh-thee) is a diabetic 

eye disease caused by changes in the blood 

vessels of the retina. It is the leading cause of 

blindness in adults. Treatments that can prevent 

serious vision loss include medication, lasers, 

and/or surgery.

Eyelash (I-lash) is the fringe of hair edging the 

eyelid; they close to keep particles, like dust, out 

of your eyes. 

The eyelid (I-lid) is the skin-covered structure that 

protects the front of the eye. It limits light entering 

the eye and spreads tears over the cornea.

The fovea (FOH-vee-uh) is the center of the 

macula, which gives the sharpest vision.

Glaucoma (Glaw-KOH-muh) is called the “sneak 

thief of sight” because it does not give any 

warning signs of loss of vision. It is a group of 

diseases that damage the optic nerve and can 

cause vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma can be 

treated with medication, lasers, and/or surgery. 

The iris (I-ris) is the colored part of the eye; it 

regulates the amount of light entering the eye.

The lens (LENZ) is the clear part of the eye behind 

the iris that helps to focus light on the retina. 

It allows the eye to focus on both far and near 

objects.

Low vision (loh vizh-uhn) means that even with 

regular glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or 

surgery, people find everyday tasks difficult to do. 

Reading the mail, shopping, cooking, seeing the TV, 

and writing can seem challenging. 

The macula (MACK-yoo-luh) is the small, sensitive 

area of the retina that gives central vision. It 

contains the fovea.

An optician (ahp-TISH-un) is a trained 

professional who grinds, fits, and dispenses 

glasses by prescription from an optometrist or 

ophthalmologist.

The optic nerve (OP-tic nurv) is the bundle of 

more than 1 million nerve fibers that carry visual 

messages from the eye to the brain. 

The pupil (PYOO-pul) is the opening at the center 

of the iris. The iris adjusts the size of the pupil and 

controls the amount of light that can enter the eye.

The retina (REH-tin-uh) is the light-sensitive tissue 

lining the back of the eyeball. It sends electrical 

impulses to the brain.

The sclera (SKLEH-ruh) is the tough, white outer 

coating of the eye.

UV means Ultraviolet (uhl-truh-vahy-uh-lit). The 

sun produces radiation that we see as light. But 

it also produces invisible radiation called UV or 

ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation may 

contribute to the development of eye diseases 

and conditions such as macular degeneration and 

cataract. 

The vitreous humor (VIT-ree-us HU-mur) is the 

clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. 

Glossary

72
Answer Key

Healthy Vision

Healthy Vision Word Mix

Possible answers are:

Health Heal

The Seal

Stealth Veal

Hen Hail

Teal Tan

Ton Sat

Set Then

Salt Than

This Visit

Healthy Vision Word Scramble

Possible answers are:

Baseball

Health

Protection

Vitamin A

Examination

Sports

Safety

Compress

Water

Healthy Eyes

Write It Out—Sentence Stems

Possible answers are:

1. my room, my family, my clothes, etc.; they make me happy, etc.

2. the trees, the park and the basketball court, the cars, etc. 

3. red, blue, green, etc.; my sports uniform is red, my eyes are blue, my bike is green, etc.

4. my friends, my teachers, the board; they make me laugh, they help me, 

I need to write down my assignments, etc. 

5. sports goggles, eye protection, a face mask; they protect my eyes, 

it keeps my eyes safe, it shields my face, etc.

73
Answer Key 

(continued)

Eye Disease, 

Early Detection, 

and Treatment

Mad Libs

Possible answers are:

Eye Safety

Crossword Puzzle	 	 	 	 Word Search

Across

1. Glaucoma

3. Cataract

4. Eye Exam

6. Blink

7. Toys

8. Sunglasses

9. Smoking

Down

2. Ultraviolet

5. Goggles

10. Eyelashes

1. Sports, Game, Baseball

2. Ran, Went, Walked

3. Playground, Park, Court

4. Play, Practice

5. Favorite, After-school

6. Captain, MVP, co-captain

7. Captain, MVP, co-captain

8. Team, Group 

9. Ball, Puck

10. Tall, Fast, Good

11. Three, Two, Six

12. Awesome, Amazing, Perfect

13. Thirty, Forty-Five, Ten

14. Snacks, Munchies, Fruits

15. Water, Gatorade, Juice 

16. Threw, Put, Placed

17. Trash can, Bag, Recycle bin

18. Play, Practice, Drill

19. Good, Skilled, Competitive

20. Close, Tied, Blow-out

21. Basketball, Ball, Puck

22. Head, Face, Arm

23. Fifteen, Ten, Thirty

24. Rain, Snow, Storm

25. Backpacks, Bags, Equipment

26. Ran, Dashed, Raced

27. Dry, Covered, Safe

28. Game, Practice, Drill

L A E S R V M W M G E C A W O

S E S S A L G N U S H N E F Q

Z I Q Q Z J R M A X O Y M A D

M A X E E Y E D K O E I I M Z

T B M O B E H N Z P M Y X I P

P E A A B Z J U R D T A Z L J

U L T R A V I O L E T R A Y S

T O Y S K Z T R U G D J F H V

L H Z N V E L G J N I W D I W

K D I M C S K Y R I A T R S N

S L S T V L Z A V K B X B T V

B Q I S B T D L Q O E H G O K

S O U U Q O R P B M T K Z R S

N F I R E W O R K S E M Y Y K

N Y Z Z X Z T M J V S X Z Y B

74
Thank you for 

joining us on our 

Healthy Vision 

journey!
For more information and to order other healthy vision 

resources, visit http://catalog.nei.nih.gov/.

NIH Publication No: 03-5353

Revised 8/2012