Clear vision is an important part of your children’s growth. As we observe Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, eye care specialist Vienna Eyecare Center shares tips on keeping your child’s eyes healthy and safe.
- Schedule Regular Eye Doctor Appointments — It is generally a good idea to schedule a visit to an eye doctor when your child turns three. The beginnings of refractive errors such as astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness can emerge at this age and corrective eyewear can help manage these conditions.
- Instruct Them to Wear Protective Eyewear — Make sure your kids wear protective eyewear when participating in sports and other recreational activities. When spending time outside, your children should wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV rays.
- Purchase Age-Appropriate Toys — Avoid toys with sharp parts or anything that might cause eye injuries.
- Maintain an Eye-Friendly Diet — The right kind of diet can help the whole family maintain good eyesight. Food that contains zinc, vitamins C and E, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids all favor good eyesight. Ask your pediatrician or eye doctor for advice on serving sizes and meals that are appropriate for children.
- Encourage Healthy Amounts of Sleep — Sleep is critical for growing children. In these times where children are born surrounded by screens—smartphones, computers and television among them—children are more susceptible to eye strain. Restful sleep helps reduce the risks associated with eye strain, such as dry eyes, headaches and blurry vision.
- Keep Their Eyes Clean — The eyes naturally clean themselves through tears; however, infections can develop if the eye comes in contact with something dirty. Kids tend to rub their eyes without cleaning their hands. In addition to instilling in them the habit of keeping their hands away from their eyes, teach them proper handwashing procedures. See an eye doctor immediately if you see redness or other signs of infection.
Vienna Eyecare Center is your leading optometrist and provider of eye care services. Give us a call at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Fairfax, VA, and surrounding areas.