As the new school year approaches, ensuring your child's eyes remain in optimal health is just as important as picking out new school supplies.
To help your child excel academically and enjoy clear vision all year round, Accent Eyewear in Hillsboro has compiled a list of essential eyewear and eye care tips that you should keep in mind.
1. Request Regular Eye Exams
One of the most important steps in maintaining your child’s eye health is to request regular eye exams. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children have their first eye exam at six months, again at three years old, and before starting school. After that, annual eye exams are essential to detect vision problems early.
During an eye exam, a pediatric optometrist will conduct visual acuity testing (to check how clearly your child can see), eye alignment testing (to ensure both eyes work together properly), and a comprehensive evaluation of the eyes' overall health.
2. Choose the Right Eyewear
If your little one needs glasses, choosing the right pair is key. Here are some tips to consider when picking kids' glasses:
- Durability: Kids can be rough on their glasses, so pick frames made from durable materials like flexible plastics or metal with spring hinges.
- Comfort: Glasses need to fit well and be comfortable to wear. Your child's eyeglasses should not pinch the nose or ears and should stay in place during activities.
- Style: Let your child choose a style they like. They will be more likely to wear their glasses consistently if they love them.
- Lens Coatings: Consider lenses with an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and protect against UV rays.
3. Invest in Protective Eyewear
Protective eyewear is essential for preventing eye injuries during sports and recreational activities.
- Sports Glasses: For children involved in sports, especially contact sports like soccer, basketball, or baseball, ensure they wear sports glasses with polycarbonate lenses. These are impact-resistant and provide excellent protection against potential eye injuries.
- Goggles for Swimming: Chlorine in pools can irritate the eyes. Provide your child with swim goggles to protect their eyes from chlorine and other chemicals.
- UV Protection: Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are essential for outdoor activities. Choose wraparound styles for better coverage. They can also prevent future eye complications and dry eyes.
4. Maintain and Repair Existing Eyewear
Keeping your child’s eyewear in good condition ensures clear vision and comfort.
- Regular Cleaning: Teach your child to clean their glasses daily using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to avoid scratches and smudges.
- Adjustments: Periodically check the fit of the glasses. If they are loose or uncomfortable, visit your optician for adjustments.
- Repairs: Promptly repair any damage to the frames or lenses, as bent frames or scratched lenses can affect vision and comfort.
- Backup Pair: Consider having a backup pair of glasses for emergencies, especially if your child is highly active or prone to misplacing eyewear.
5. Encourage Good Eye Habits
Teaching your child good eye habits can help prevent eye strain and maintain overall eye health. Here are some tips:
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain. Encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
- Proper Lighting: Ensure your child’s study area is well-lit to reduce eye strain. Avoid glare from screens and use desk lamps with adjustable brightness.
- Reading Distance: Teach your child to maintain a proper reading distance. Books and screens should be about 18-24 inches away from their eyes.
- Outdoor Play: Encourage your child to spend time outdoors. Natural light and outdoor activities are beneficial for eye development and can reduce the risk of myopia (nearsightedness).
- Hand Washing: Ensure your child washes their hands to prevent eye infections, especially before handling contact lenses. They also need to clean their contact lenses as their eye care professional recommends.
Request a Pediatric Eye Exam in Hillsboro
By going for routine eye exams at Accent Eyewear in Hillsboro and following these essential eye care tips, you can ensure your child enjoys clear and healthy vision all year round.