August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety month. We focus on so many other aspects of health and wellness, so we wanted to shine some light on eye health and safety.
Sometimes vison issues in children are easily detected, but some issues are harder to spot. A vision screening is a more efficient eye exam. This screening is used to find eye problems and to refer your child to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive exam if needed. This screening can be done by a pediatrician, family physician, ophthalmologist, or other properly trained health care provider. Sometimes the screenings are offered at schools, community health centers, or community events. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that children be checked at the newborn stage, 6-12 months, 12-36 months, 3-5 years and 5 years and up. This can usually be done at a well-child exam. At 5, children should be screened for visual acuity and alignment. Nearsightedness is the most common problem in this age group. If there is a family history of vision issues, it is best to let your doctor know up front. Most vision problems that are not evident at birth are discovered when children head off to school. Getting early treatment for your child is the best thing you can do.
Some children are introduced to screens at a much younger age. Prolonged screen time contributes to eye fatigue because you blink less frequently. This is through devices like phones, tablets, or even computer screens. Less blinking significantly reduces lubrication in the eye, making it feel tired, scratchy and dry as a result. As children get older, they tend to use the screens even more for school and playing video games. It is best if they can give their eyes a break from time to time throughout the day.
Here are Five Eye Health Tips for kids:
Exercise. An active lifestyle has been shown to reduce the risk of developing a number of eye diseases as well as diabetes. Remember that diabetes is a disease which can result in blindness.
Don’t smoke. Avoid smoking around children in closed areas like cars or places with lack of ventilation. Smoking has been linked to increased risk of a number of vision threatening eye diseases.
Use eye protection. Protect your children’s eyes when they are engaging in activities such as sports that are high impact or involve flying objects.
Don’t rub! If a child complains of something in their eye, try not to let them rub it. It could make it worse or scratch the eyeball. The best action is to wash the object out of their eye if possible.
Give them a break. A newer concern is kids' posture when looking at screens such as tablets or mobile phones. Teach children not to hold these digital devices too close to their eyes and give them breaks during longer periods of usage.
By teaching your children basic eye care and safety habits, you are instilling in them the importance of taking care of their precious eyesight. Monkey see, monkey do. Always encourage and remind your children to follow these tips and set the example by following them yourself.