Eye safety is an important issue for both children and adults. Since a child’s coordination and logical thinking have not fully developed, children are more vulnerable to eye injuries that can have a tragic and permanent result on their lives. Preserving your child’s vision requires a common-sense approach to life.
Eye Strain
Just as you can feel the effects of intensive computer work, your child’s focus on television and video game systems can have the same impact. Eye strain can cause headaches, fatigue, redness, drying, or watering of the eyes. To help your child avoid eye strain, require them to take a break after 20 minutes of video games or reading. For 20 seconds, have them look out the window or into another room.
Sports and Play
Children in sports typically receive better grades, live healthier lifestyles, and build confidence and self esteem. Considering all of those benefits, it can be easy to forget the dangers of sports and playtime. Children at play should be supervised, especially when children of mixed ages are within a group. Age-appropriate toys are a must, and toys that involve projectiles of any sort should be avoided. When participating in sports, children should wear eye safety equipment such as goggles or safety glasses since sports injuries are the most prevalent cause of eye injury in children.
Sun Protection
Whether a day at the beach or a day in the snow, your child’s eyes must be protected from the sun’s rays. Ultraviolet rays can damage young eyes, creating painful sunburn to the eye’s surface. Even in winter, sunbeams reflect off of snow and result in twice the UV exposure. Purchase property fitted sunglasses with UV blocking for your child and enforce their wear whenever activities take your family outside. Protecting young eyes can fend off cataracts and other degenerative vision issues in the future.
Working Safely
Children love to help mom or dad around the house and aid with projects like building or repairing the home. These activities are excellent for family bonding and developing a child’s coordination and confidence, but can be detrimental to their eye safety. Set an example by always wearing your safety glasses, and require your child to do so as well.
Teaching your child about eye safety is critical in ensuring healthy vision for their lifetime. Consult your Phoenix eye care professional for more ideas for protecting your child’s eyes today.
