August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety, which serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to prioritize the visual well-being of their children. Good vision is essential for a child’s development, learning, and overall quality of life. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Archana Gupta and expert optometrist Dr. Dayana Pereira recommend these six tips to ensure long-lasting visual health for your children.
1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Regular comprehensive eye exams are fundamental to maintaining your child’s ocular health. Children as young as 6 months old can be scheduled for their first eye exam, with subsequent exams occurring at age 3 and before entering school. During these exams, optometrists assess various aspects of visual function, including visual acuity, eye alignment and movement, depth perception, color vision, and overall eye health. Early examinations set your child up for success because we can detect potential vision problems that might otherwise go unnoticed and ensure your child’s vision is developing properly.
2. Know Family History
Many eye conditions have genetic components, including refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), crossed eyes, and color blindness. Being aware of these can help in early detection and management. At your first appointment, please inform us about any family history of eye diseases or vision problems so that we can provide targeted examinations and offer preventive treatments.
3. Practice Healthy Eating Habits
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can significantly contribute to your child’s vision and overall health. The following vitamins and nutrients play key roles in healthy eye development and protection against free radicals in the environment:
- Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers
- Vitamin E: nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: leafy green vegetables and eggs
- Calcium: dairy products, green vegetables, and almonds
4. Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
Protecting your child’s eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV exposure) is essential for long-term eye health. Excessive UV exposure can lead to various eye problems later in life, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses that block out UVA and UVB rays with wrap-around frames that are easy to keep on your active child’s face.
5. Limit Screen Time
Children are exposed to screens more than ever before. Prolonged screen time from computers, phones, and televisions can lead to eye strain, blurred vision, and dry eyes. The 20-20-20 rule is a great way to minimize these risks: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Even with this rule, fluctuate your child’s screen time with other activities like drawing, playing outdoors, and reading.
6. Spend Time Outdoors
Outdoor activities are a great way to balance the time spent looking at screens or engaging in other close-up activities. Research suggests that spending time outdoors, especially in natural light, can lower the risk of certain eye disorders like myopia (nearsightedness). This is because the eyes are able to relax and practice looking at things from a distance.
Schedule an Appointment
As we observe Children’s Eye Health Month, now is the perfect opportunity to schedule a children’s eye exam in Boca Raton and Tamarac, FL. If it’s been more than a year since your child’s last eye exam, or if you notice any changes in their vision or eye health, schedule an appointment today with our team of expert eye care professionals.
