STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Children across the country will soon start a new school year, and healthy vision will be key to a successful year. August is designated as Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month. This observance serves as an important reminder, guiding parents, caregivers, and educators in nurturing and safeguarding the vision of our children.
Children are natural adventurers, eager to explore the world around them with wide-eyed wonder. However, in this digital age, where screens abound and outdoor adventures beckon, it's essential to equip ourselves with knowledge and strategies to protect their developing eyesight.
As a child grows, an untreated eye condition becomes more difficult to correct. These can worsen and lead to other serious problems. They can also affect a child’s reading ability, focus, behavior, personality, and social adjustments. Vision problems that can affect children include amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes) and – most commonly – myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
“Ensuring your child undergoes an eye exam early allows us to identify any potential issues and take proactive steps to prevent vision loss later in life,” said Dr. Steven Slezak, Ophthalmologist with Aspirus Health in Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.
During Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month, parents are reminded of the importance of protecting your child from eye injuries. Dr. Slezak urges parents to take these helpful tips to ensure your children’s eyes stay healthy and safe:
- Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries on the amount of time your child spends in front of screens, including TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. Encourage breaks every 20-30 minutes to give their eyes a rest and reduce the risk of digital eye strain.
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Balance screen time with outdoor activities to promote healthy visual development. Natural light and outdoor playtime are beneficial for children's eyesight and overall well-being.
- Provide Protective Eyewear: When engaging in sports and outdoor activities, ensure your child wears appropriate protective eyewear, such as sunglasses with UV protection and sports goggles. This helps shield their eyes from harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of injuries.
- Promote Proper Hygiene: Teach your child the importance of good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing to prevent the spread of eye infections. Remind them not to rub their eyes with dirty hands to minimize the risk of irritation and infection.
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems and eye conditions early. Schedule comprehensive eye exams for your child, starting from infancy and continuing throughout their school years, as recommended by their eye care provider.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Provide a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support eye health. Foods like carrots, leafy greens, and fish can contribute to healthy vision and overall eye function.
- Be Mindful of Eye Safety: Keep hazardous objects out of reach and childproof your home to prevent accidents that could harm your child's eyes. Educate them about the importance of eye safety and how to protect their eyes in different environments.
“By incorporating these tips into your child's daily routine, you can help promote their eye health and safety, setting the stage for a lifetime of clear vision and exploration,” said Dr. Slezak.
Aspirus Health offers quality eyecare services, treatments, and surgical procedures in Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids. For more information, call 715.342.7825 or visit aspirus.org/eye-care-surgery.