Overview
- Know Who You’re Working With
- Rubbing Is Wrong (And What To Do Instead)
- Use It or Lose It: Distance Vision
- ADHD or Unable To See?
- Proper Posture
- Vision Screenings Are Not Eye Exams
- Let There Be Light!
- Leafy Greens & Omega 3
- Glasses Are Your Friend, Not Foe
- The Sun Is Up Forever
Parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their child’s eye health by being aware of potential risks and implementing simple preventative measures. As children grow, their eyes are also in a developmental stage, making them particularly vulnerable to vision problems. By understanding how everyday activities impact vision, parents can take active steps to protect their child’s eyesight as they grow. The following are tips for your child’s eye health as recommended by Dr. Sami Khaldieh, a children’s eye doctor in Herndon, VA.
1. Know Who You’re Working With
Choosing the right eye doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child’s long-term eye health. Not all eye doctors have the same level of expertise when it comes to children’s eye care, so they will often treat a child the same way they treat adults. Selecting a professional who specializes in pediatric vision ensures your child gets age-appropriate treatment. An experienced children’s eye doctor will not only have the skills to detect early signs of vision issues, but they will also be familiar with child-friendly approaches that make eye exams less intimidating.
Tips on finding a good children’s eye doctor in Herndon, VA:
- Ask for recommendations from your pediatrician, other parents, or trusted people in your community
- Look for practices that specifically mention pediatric or children’s eye care on their website
- Read patient reviews online and if they mention working with kids
- Call ahead to ask about their experience with children, their approach to preventative care, and the technology they use for exams (newer technology doesn’t require the puff of air test that can be intimidating for kids!)
- Visit the clinic in person to see if it looks kid friendly (including a bathroom that can fit an assisting parent with their child!)
A great eye doctor should make both you and your child feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout the entire process.
2. Rubbing Is Wrong (And What To Do Instead)
While rubbing the eyes may seem like a harmless habit, chronic eye rubbing can actually lead to several vision problems over time.
What you may know:
Frequent eye rubbing can lead to infections by transferring dirt and bacteria from the hands to the eyes, as well as aggravating existing issues like allergies or dry eyes, causing further discomfort and inflammation.
What you may not know:
It actually increases your child’s risk of several vision problems over time by permanently changing the shape of their eye. (One of the most notable risks is astigmatism!)
“But they itch so bad!”
We have you covered. Here are some ways to help:
- Eye drops: Specifically artificial tears— for immediate relief
- If your child is afraid to use eye drops, have them close their eyes, then assist in administering the drops through their tear duct.
- Cold compress: run cold water on a rag and lay it over your child’s eyes
- Antihistamines: Get ahead of allergy-induced itches or talk to your child’s eye doctor about prescription eye drops
- Blink often: Be proactive about preventing dry eyes by reminding your child to blink often– especially when looking at a screen
- Focusing on screens leads to at least a 66% reduction in blink rate
3. Use It Or Lose It: Distance Vision
Near activities are tasks that involve focusing on close-up objects. While these activities are a natural part of everyday life, they can increase the strain on your child’s eyes. This eye strain is a contributing factor to the development of myopia (a degenerative disease that causes nearsightedness). To mitigate this risk, it’s essential for children to take frequent breaks from near activities.
Examples of near activities include:
- Reading
- Writing
- Using digital devices
- Playing with small toys
In contrast, far activities are activities that encourage children to focus on distant objects. This reduces the strain on your child’s eyes from near activities. These activities require children to focus on objects far away, which promotes healthy eye development. Studies have shown that increased time outdoors, where children’s eyes can relax and focus on distant objects, can be a preventative measure for myopia. Encouraging your child to participate in far activities regularly can help balance the strain caused by near tasks, reducing their risk of developing vision problems.
Examples of far activities include:
- Outdoor play
- Sports
- Hiking
- Simply spending time outside observing the environment
The following graph depicts time spent outside per week in relation to the reduced risk of your child developing myopia:
4. ADHD or Unable To See?
In some cases, children who struggle to see the board in class may exhibit behaviors that resemble symptoms of ADHD, such as:
- Inability to focus
- Restlessness
- Difficulty following instructions
Unaware that they can’t see clearly, your child may act out or become distracted. This can lead to frustration for both the child and the teacher and sometimes leads to misinterpretation of their behavior. Vision-related difficulty can mimic inattention or hyperactivity because the child is not able to engage fully with the visual material.
Your child may have passed a school vision screening or been told by their pediatrician that they see clearly— However, sometimes, even with 20/20 vision, your child’s eye muscles may not be functioning properly. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, double vision, and blurry vision up close. These symptoms go unnoticed as children can’t verbalize what they’re experiencing.
It’s important to consider eye health when assessing your child’s learning challenges. For some kids, a simple pair of glasses can dramatically improve their ability to pay attention. Eye doctors recommend annual exams starting at the age of 5 in order to identify and address issues early.
5. Proper Posture
Proper posture when writing reduces strain on your child’s neck, back, and eyes— especially during long periods of desk work. Improper posture will have the adverse affect and can exacerbate issues like myopia or increase the risk of your child developing myopia.1
Children should sit with their back straight, feet flat on the floor, and knees at a 90º angle. The writing surface should be at elbow height, allowing your child’s arms to rest comfortably. Meeting these conditions, your child can maintain an appropriate distance from their paper (a recommended minimum of 16 inches). This also reduces the tendency to hunch over and look too closely, contributing to eye strain.
Factors that contribute to poor writing posture include a chair that’s too tall or a desk that’s too high or low, forcing your child to lean forward or slump. This poor posture can result in your child bringing their face closer to their work, unknowingly engaging in a near activity that stresses their eyes even further. You can help by assessing the size of the desks and chairs your child uses both at home and in school, ensuring that they are appropriately sized.
6. Vision Screenings Are Not Eye Exams
It’s essential to understand that vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams are not the same. Vision screenings primarily check for obvious vision problems and can identify children who may need further evaluation. However, these screenings typically focus on basic visual acuity and may not catch underlying issues that can affect overall eye health.
Places your child may receive a vision screening:
- School
- Primary care doctor’s office
- Community events
Getting an annual comprehensive eye exam with a qualified children’s eye doctor is vital for early detection and prevention of potential vision or eye health problems. During these exams, your eye doctor can evaluate the eyes’ overall health, check for any developmental issues, and ensure that any necessary corrective measures are in place. As your child grows, their vision needs can change rapidly, therefore it’s important to be proactive about getting exams.
7. Let There Be Light!
Proper lighting is important when your child is engaging in near work. Eyes need to work harder in poor lighting, causing increased eye strain and discomfort. This can contribute to fatigue and exacerbate any existing vision problems. Create an ideal environment for learning and play by ensuring that your child’s room is well-lit. Pay extra attention during evening hours or on cloudy days with limited natural light. Using a combination of overhead lights and lamps is ideal for near work.
Encourage your child to turn on their lights when needed, rather than relying on daylight. As the sun sets or during the winter months when days are shorter, your child may not instinctively think to switch on the lights. Remind them to adjust their lighting to significantly improve their comfort and focus.
8. Leafy Greens & Omega 3
Leafy green vegetables are packed with essential nutrients that help protect your child’s vision. These greens are rich in antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of eye conditions later in life. These antioxidants act as a natural sunscreen for the eyes, filtering harmful blue light and supporting overall retinal health. Incorporating leafy greens into your child’s diet can be as simple as adding them to smoothies, salads, or even blending them into soups.
Examples:
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard greens
Source: @beyond.eyecare on Instagram
Omega-3 fatty acids are another major contributor to eye health. They are particularly helpful for preventing dry eye and supporting overall retinal function. Omega-3s help maintain the moisture levels in the eyes and can protect against inflammation. Studies show that Omega-3s support the development of the retina in children. They may even reduce the risk of developing conditions like myopia. To ensure your child is getting enough omega-3s, you can include foods or consider quality Omega-3 supplements recommended by your eye doctor.
Examples:
- Fatty fish (ex: salmon)
- Flaxseeds
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
9. Glasses Are Your Friend, Not Foe
Myth: Once your child starts wearing prescription glasses, their vision will progressively worsen as a result.
Fact: On the contrary, once your child starts wearing prescription glasses, it can actually give their eyes a chance to stabilize. Glasses correct existing vision problems and help your child see clearly, supporting their ability to focus in school, socialize confidently, and participate in activities.
If your child needs glasses but doesn’t wear their glasses, they may struggle to keep up academically and socially. It can also lead to headaches, eye strain, and difficulty concentrating in class, all of which can hinder their performance. Ensuring that your child wears their glasses as prescribed is vital for both their vision and their overall development. With proper use, glasses help your child see and provide the visual foundation they need for success in both learning and play.
10. The Sun Is Up Forever
Make sure your child’s sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and replace them yearly or whenever the lenses show signs of wear. Scratches or fading on the lenses can reduce their effectiveness, so it’s important to ensure the sunglasses remain in good condition. Remember that sunglasses aren’t just for the summer. UV rays are present year-round, so your child should be wearing sunglasses during all outdoor activities, regardless of the season, to protect their eyes from harmful exposure.
Conclusion
Maintaining your child’s eye health is an essential part of their overall well-being. Follow these simple but effective tips to help prevent future vision issues. Eye health should never be overlooked, especially during your child’s developmental years. Take the next step in securing your child’s visual health: schedule an appointment with a children’s eye doctor in Herndon, VA at Beyond Eyecare.
