Children’s eye care can be a tricky subject, since kids often can’t articulate a problem with their vision and symptoms are hard to detect. Since learning delays, social problems, and other trouble may potentially result from a vision or eye health issue, it is very important to be vigilant about your children’s vision.
Regular Eye Exams
The number one way to help your child maintain good eye health is to make sure they’re getting a thorough exam with an optometrist on a routine basis. While the school’s offered screenings may help, there is no guarantee of adequate experience or credentials of the screening team. In addition, with so many children the screenings may not be comprehensive. Take your child to see an optometrist you trust, so that they are in expert hands and receive as much attention as needed.
Eye Safety
It might be very challenging to teach your growing child about eye care, but you should still try to start as early as possible. Set a positive example by wearing protective eyewear whenever you are outside or partaking in projects or sports. Show your child that choosing safety glasses or goggles is a fun experience rather than an inconvenience. Lastly, remember to incorporate “gearing up” into the process, so it becomes second nature.
Hygiene and Eyecare
Help your children build a routine of washing up after playing, before and after eating, and anytime they take a bathroom break. Teach them to avoid touching their eyes with dirty hands, and discourage them from rubbing their eyes entirely.
Observe Behavior
Kids may not know how to tell you something is wrong with their eyes, but they will typically display symptoms. Avoiding close-up or distance sight tasks, reading, educational games, or activities that require them to follow moving targets can be a tip-off that something is amiss with their vision.
Children’s eye care does not have to be complicated. Teach them strong, healthy habits from an early age, and keep an eye out for clues that may indicate eye trouble. Check with your Phoenix optometrist for more tips on maintaining your children’s vision.
