Eye sight is precious, and sometimes children’s eyesight issues go unnoticed or are lumped under another problem. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as your child expressing an unusual amount of frustration, only being able to read while using a guiding finger, excessively rubbing eyes, or exhibiting frequent headaches or watery eyes, there could be a vision issue at hand. Read on for some practical ways to help a child grappling to see correctly.
Schedule an Eye Exam
The most important step in assisting children who are having challenges with eyesight is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Be sure to visit an optometrist who is not only detailed, caring, and experienced with working with children, but who is also fully licensed and board certified. Companies like All About Eyes are an example of a practice that offers multiple locations and extended business hours. Professional exams pinpoint a variety of issues that impede eyesight and trained technicians on site are available to assist with obtaining corrective lenses and treatment if needed.
Limit Screen Time
Too much time spent staring at technology screens can not only lead to inactivity, but can also cause harmful eye strain. Be sure to teach self-control and place limits on screen time. Encourage your child to take screen breaks and to spend time outdoors. There are plenty of satisfactory and healthy indoor and outdoor social and independent activities and hobbies to choose from. Also encourage healthy ranges from all screens and make sure that your child understands proximity and isn’t sitting too close to televisions, computers, and all other technological devices.
Protect The Eyes When Indoors and Outdoors
Be sure that a child has a comfortable and well lit area for completing homework and reading. It is important to have enough light when doing any near focus activity. It is equally important to provide your child with appropriate sunglasses when going outside. Hats are helpful, but also make sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection available. Kids often misplace sunglasses, so have extras on hand.
Be a good role model and participate in all of the above habits as well. Annual eye exams, screen breaks, adequate lighting, and sun protection are important for people of all ages. Remember that while some symptoms such as frequently closing one eye could be silly kid behavior, it could also be a sign of a vision problem. Dropping grades or frustration with school work could be signs of a behavioral or physical issue. Always be in tune with your child and help them be at their best, including providing them with their best chances for present and future eye health.
