Prioritizing your Child’s Vision for a Bright Future
As parents, we do everything we can to ensure our children thrive and reach their full potential. Yet, one aspect of their health that sometimes goes overlooked is their vision. Pediatric eye exams play a crucial role in safeguarding not just their eyesight, but also their overall development and academic success.
Regular Eye Exams
It all begins with getting a headstart in getting your child's eyes checked even when they do not show complaints in their vision. Early detection of any vision issues is crucial for proper development. Your optometrist may be able to notice potential vision concerns early on to correct before they have to wear glasses everyday.
Watch for Signs
Some children who have vision problems may not know how to voice they can’t see well. Some don’t even realize they aren’t seeing things the way they should. Noticing ques from your child can help advocate for them if there may be issues such as headaches, holding objects at unusual distances, or being too close to things, squinting.
Limit Screen Time
One of the biggest changes is our exposure to digital devices, such as laptops, computers, tablets, phones, etc. We may not realize it but the average child spends anywhere from 4-6 hours on a screen, as they get older that increases up to 9 hours a day on digital devices. This has been a major factor in children needing to be in glasses early, and having big changes each year in their prescriptions. As their eyes focus on what the brain communicates as important, which is being able to see up close, the eyes start to lose the ability to see as far away as clearly.
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children.Encourage activities that involve looking at distant objects, which helps with eye muscle development and overall eye health. If there is a reason your child can’t step away from screen time or be outside, taking breaks is important. Take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
Proper Sleep
Our bodies do most of their growing, healing, and developing while we sleep, especially at young ages. Getting a proper goodnight sleep can help with their eye health development.
Balanced Diet
Having a diet rich in vitamins & minerals is crucial in our overall health. Creating good habits early on, makes it easier to carry on into our adult lives. Things like Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids are important to our eye health. Food choices such as leafy greens, fish, rainbow of fruits and veggies are excellent for promoting proper eye health.
Pediatric eye exams are an essential investment in your child's future. By prioritizing their eye health and vision needs from an early age, we can set them up for success academically, socially, and developmentally. Don't wait until there's a problem—schedule a pediatric eye exam today and give your child the gift of clear vision and bright futures.
