How to Nurture Your Child’s Eyesight

Declining eye health is often associated with people of advanced age, but in today’s multiscreen lifestyle, children’s eye health is a major priority that is often overlooked.

For instance, a recent study found that 70% of Welsh adults are unaware that children should be getting an eye exam at four to five years of age.

ision problems can impede their social and educational development, so helping your children maintain or improve their vision is paramount. Here are a few ways to look out for your child’s eyes.

Regular eye exams

Around 20% of school-aged children may have undiagnosed vision problems, some of which could have been prevented or mitigated with early detection.

Your child may have passed a vision screening in the past, which tests for visual acuity and involves a physical inspection of the eye and pupils.

However, vision screenings may delay the detection of serious eye issues due to the sense of security they provide.

After all, you may be able to spot some conditions like misaligned eyes. Still, amblyopia or lazy eye presents with no warning signs – and your child may not even realise something is wrong. It’s essential to book a comprehensive eye exam for your child, which an optometrist or ophthalmologist does with more specialised knowledge of eye problems.

Eyeglasses

The earlier problems are detected from eye exams, the more likely treatments could be successful. From there, corrective measures such as vision therapy, contact lenses, or eyeglasses can be prescribed. Buying a new pair of glasses isn’t a hassle anymore, thanks to online retailers.

Not only is there a more comprehensive array of brands and designs to choose from, but free home trial services are available for your child to try before you buy. Allowing your child to be part of the glasses-picking process gives them a sense of ownership and increases the likelihood of consistent wear.

Plus, some retailers make it easy for you to find similarly-fitting glasses when they need a new set of frames in the future. Pick soft plastic frames, which are more bendy and could better withstand their active lifestyle. For the lenses, choose polycarbonate, which is more durable than its standard plastic counterpart.

Monitored screen time

A survey of Welsh parents with children under five revealed that technology use was a top worry for them. In a separate study, 65% of Welsh children said they spend time on social media every day, compared to only 25% who reported playing outside daily.

As many know, excessive screen time can cause many vision problems, from temporarily blurry vision to myopia to digital eye strain.

Regulating screen time is crucial, especially since your child’s eye development only ends when they reach their early twenties. If your child has been prescribed eyeglasses, have blue light-blocking filters installed to help maintain your child’s circadian rhythm and minimise the risk of retinal damage.

The experts also suggest creating a balance between screen time and family time. Incorporating outdoor activities prevents children from associating recreation only with screens.

Physical activity and real-life interactions improve not just their eye health but also their overall health and well-being. Your child deserves the best possible chance at perceiving the world around them. As they continue to grow, advocating for their eye protection as a parent ensures your kids can reap the benefits of healthy vision well into their adulthood.