Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Encourage Regular Breaks: Ensure children take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
• Provide a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Ensure Proper Lighting: Use adequate lighting when reading or doing homework.
• Use Protective Eyewear: Equip children with protective glasses for sports and activities.
• Promote Outdoor Activities: Encourage playing outside to reduce the risk of myopia.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Excessive Screen Time: Limit the time children spend on screens.
• Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Take any signs of vision problems seriously.
• Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Teach children to avoid rubbing their eyes to prevent infections.

Causes

• Genetics: Family history of eye conditions can increase risk.
• Environmental Factors: Excessive screen time, poor lighting, and lack of outdoor activities.
• Infections: Bacterial and viral infections can affect eye health.
• Injuries: Trauma to the eye from accidents or sports.

Symptoms

• Squinting: Frequent squinting to see better.
• Sitting Close to TV/Devices: Needing to sit close to screens.
• Frequent Eye Rubbing: Indicating discomfort or strain.
• Headaches: Especially after reading or screen time.
• Difficulty Reading: Trouble reading or following along in books.
• Redness or Swelling: Signs of infection or irritation.

Preventions

• Regular Eye Exams: Routine check-ups with an eye doctor.
• Proper Eyewear: Using prescription glasses or contact lenses if needed.
• Healthy Diet: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sleep: Ensure adequate sleep to help reduce eye strain.
• Screen Time Management: Limiting use and taking breaks.
• Hygiene Practices: Teaching proper handwashing and avoiding eye rubbing.
• Safe Play: Ensuring safe environments and protective eyewear for sports.

Eye Safety

1. Protective Eyewear:
   • Ensure children wear protective eyewear during sports activities and recreational activities that pose a risk of eye injury, such as baseball, basketball, racquet sports, soccer, and certain playground activities.
   • Use polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant.
2. Sun Protection:
   • Children should wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays to protect their eyes from the harmful effects of the sun.
   • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also help reduce sun exposure to the eyes.
3. Toy Safety:
   • Avoid toys with sharp or protruding parts.
   • Be cautious with projectile toys like darts, BB guns, and slingshots, as they pose significant eye injury risks.
4. Home Safety:
   • Keep dangerous objects, such as scissors, knives, and chemicals, out of children’s reach.
   • Use safety gates on stairs and ensure sharp corners of furniture are padded to prevent injury from falls.
5. First Aid for Eye Injuries:
   • If an eye injury occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
   • Do not allow the child to rub their eye if a foreign object is present.
   • For chemical exposure, rinse the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help immediately.

Eye Care by Age

Infants (0-2 years):

• First Exam: By 6 months of age.
• Monitor for: Crossed eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light.

Toddlers (2-5 years):

• Regular Exams: At least once by age 3.
• Monitor for: Squinting, holding objects close to face.

School Age (6-12 years):

• Annual Exams: Important due to schoolwork demands.
• Monitor for: Difficulty reading, headaches, sitting close to the TV.

Teens (13-18 years):

• Routine Exams: Every 1-2 years.
• Monitor for: Screen time effects, sports-related eye injuries.

Home Remedies

• Warm Compress: To soothe eye strain or irritation.
• Cold Compress: For reducing swelling or redness.
• Hydration: Encourage drinking plenty of water.
• Cucumber Slices: Placing on eyes to reduce puffiness.
• Artificial Tears: For dry eyes, use over-the-counter drops.

When and Where to See a Doctor

• Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms like redness, swelling, or pain persist.
• Sudden Vision Changes: Any sudden loss of vision or double vision.
• Injuries: After any trauma to the eye.
• Routine Check-ups: Regular visits as recommended by age and risk factors.
• Specialist Clinics: Eye care clinics like drishtieye.org for specialised care.

Importance of Routine/Regular Check-Ups

• Early Detection: Identifies issues early for better outcomes.
• Monitoring Development: Ensures vision develops correctly.
• Preventative Care: Helps prevent worsening of conditions.
• Customised Advice: Provides tailored recommendations for eye health.

Why Visit drishtieye.org 

• Expert Care: Access to specialised paediatric eye care professionals.
• Comprehensive Services: Wide range of services including exams, treatments, and surgeries.
• Educational Resources: Information and resources for parents and children.
• Convenient Access: Easy appointment scheduling and accessible locations.

Conclusion

Maintaining children’s eye health is crucial for their overall development and quality of life. By following preventive measures, staying aware of symptoms, and seeking regular professional care, parents can ensure their children’s vision remains healthy and robust. Early detection and timely intervention are key to preventing long-term eye issues. Regular visits to specialised eye care providers like Drishti Eye Clinic can provide the best care and guidance for maintaining optimal eye health.