Children are often at risk for health issues and are more prone to accidents. Because they are actively growing and changing, their bodies, including their eyes, are more susceptible to certain conditions.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated August as Children’s Eye Health Safety Month. At Eyecare Medical Group, we highlight these observances from the AAO every month to help our patients learn how to care for their eyes and vision.
Keep reading to learn more about why you should schedule your child’s eye exam during Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.
The Importance of Eye Health for Children
According to the AAO, children are more susceptible to many eye problems, including infections, injuries, and nearsightedness. As children age, their eyesight may change, and you might not notice any issues at first.
Younger children may also have difficulty explaining vision changes or eye problems, so routine eye exams are the best way to detect concerns early on. Their eye doctor at Eyecare Medical Group can assess their eyes through tests and examinations to ensure they are in optimal health and screen for any refractive errors that may require prescription changes.
An added challenge that children face today is eye strain due to screen usage, so it’s important to teach them not to hold screens too close to their faces and to rest their eyes every 20 minutes. The 20-20-20 rule helps reduce eye strain due to screen usage.
Every 20 minutes, they should look away from their screen at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds at a time to allow their eyes to relax. It can be helpful to keep a timer during screen usage time to remind them to rest their eyes.
Tips for Preventing Children’s Eye Injuries
Many children enjoy physical activities like sports and playing outside. However, they don’t always understand the importance of safety and may put their eye health at risk.
As a parent or guardian, you can help prevent eye injury by following these tips:
- Ensure children wear protective eye gear, such as safety goggles or helmets, when participating in anything that puts their eyes at risk
- Remind them to be careful around their eyes when playing
- Provide sunglasses that protect from UV rays to wear while outside
- Teach children to never look directly at the sun
How Often Should Kids Get An Eye Exam?
The recommendations for eye exam frequency depend on your child’s age and overall health and vision. If your child wears glasses or contacts, they will always need at least yearly exams. Generally, the guidelines are:
- Infants: One eye exam between the ages of 6-12 months
- Ages 3-5: At least one eye exam
- Ages 6-17: Yearly eye exams
If you notice changes to your child’s vision or if they complain about any symptoms, you should book an appointment with your ophthalmologist immediately.
All of our providers and staff create a comfortable, compassionate environment for children and families and will work with your child to help them feel at ease.
Has it been over a year since your child saw an eye doctor? Have you noticed any concerns with your child’s eyes or vision? Schedule an appointment at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME, today!
