Oct
In Canada, more and more children are being diagnosed with myopia, a condition where the eyeballs grow longer than normal, resulting in objects from afar appearing blurred. Other types of refractive errors like hyperopia (far-sightedness), blurred vision, and astigmatism are also common among school-aged children.
While preventing the onset and progression of these vision impairments is possible, they are irreversible once developed. These conditions also affect visual skills like focus, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination, therefore hindering children from learning in school and participating in daily activities like reading, sports, and extracurricular activities. Clearly, parents and guardians must keep an eye on their children’s vision health to ensure proper treatment and improve their quality of life. Here are a few ways how.
Schedule regular eye exams
Early detection of eye problems is crucial to prevent vision loss and minimize long-term impact on health and daily life. However, a survey by Essilor reveals that only half (52.5%) of Canadian parents brought their children to the eye doctor within the past year, urging parents to schedule routine eye examinations to promote healthy eyes and vision.
Moreover, if a refractive error is detected among children aged 10 and under, they are eligible to receive a free pair of kids' glasses from the eyewear brand Clearly. Parents can book an eye exam at the nearest branch, present their child’s updated prescription and health card, and pick out frames according to their vision and lifestyle needs.
Teach them about sun protection
Even if your child does not need eyeglasses for vision correction, it is essential to protect their eyes from the sun. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the eyes and increase the risk of eye conditions like blurred vision, corneal sunburn, and cataracts.
Since UV rays are not only present during summer or bright, sunny days, teach your child to practice daily sun protection by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses. This also includes applying sunscreen throughout the day and making sure to use kid-safe, mineral sunscreen from brands like Blue Lizard and CeraVe to protect the skin around the eyes without irritating the sensitive area.
Be mindful of kids’ diet and nutrition
Diet and nutrition are also linked to eye health, as healthy food provides the eyes with essential nutrients for proper functioning. However, parents of Muslim children who participate in intermittent fasting for religious reasons must be extra mindful of their kids’ dietary choices and patterns.
An article from the journal Frontiers in Medicine found that fasting can induce or worsen dry eye symptoms due to dehydration, while previous studies note adverse effects on the eye’s structure and intraocular pressure. Consequently, parents must ensure proper hydration for their kids and prepare nutrient-rich, eye-healthy foods like leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and legumes for suhoor and iftar.
Monitor children’s screen time
Lastly, prolonged screen time plays a role in the increasing prevalence of vision problems, with children reporting signs of eye strain, blurred vision, and dry eyes after spending too much time in front of a computer, phone, or tablet.
Parents can encourage proper eye care by monitoring their children’s screen time, whether through the use of timers or the devices’ built-in app limits. Eye doctors also recommend proper distance between the digital screens and kids’ eyes and the 20-20-20 rule that reminds children to take a 20-second break from the screen every 20 minutes.
In conclusion, parental guidance is key to promoting eyesight and managing vision problems among children. By teaching your child to practice eye care at an early age, they can properly learn, develop, and maximize their full potential.
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