15 ways to help kids protect their eyes at home, school and play
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, making it the perfect time to refocus on ways to protect children’s vision. Back to school is almost here. In addition to ensuring healthy growth and development, healthy eyes can help your little ones thrive in the classroom.
Here are 15 expert-backed tips to support children’s eye health and safety:
1. Schedule regular eye exams.
Children should have their first eye exam at six to 12 months, again around age 3 and before starting school, according to the American Optometric Association. Issues like lazy eye or crossed eyes can be detected early, avoiding more serious problems later on.
2. Know your family history.
Many eye conditions can be inherited. Share your family’s vision history with your child’s doctor to help guide screening and prevention.
3. Encourage physical activity.
Regular movement supports a healthy weight and lowers the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, which can lead to vision problems later in life.
4. Especially outdoor playtime.
Beyond indoor activities, spending at least an hour outside each day may help reduce the risk of nearsightedness. Reducing screen time and spending an hour or two outside each day can help protect little eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Natural daylight also supports eye development.
5. Offer sunglasses or hats.
Kids’ eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage than adults’. Look for sunglasses labeled as providing 100% UVA and UVB protection. If sunglasses aren’t an option, a wide-brimmed hat is the next best thing.
6. Limit screen time.
Too much screen time may cause eye strain, dry eyes and increase the risk of nearsightedness. Encourage frequent breaks and non-digital play.
7. Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
When kids use screens, remind them to take breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is simple. Set a time for 20 minutes. When it goes off, have your kids look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to let their eyes relax. Enforcing these breaks can help protect their vision – and it works for parents, too.
8. Offer good lighting for reading.
Whether they’re reading a book or doing homework, make sure kids have adequate lighting to prevent unnecessary eye strain.
9. Feed their eyes with nutrition.
Nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, zinc and omega-3s help support eye health. Eating a diverse, healthy diet can help ensure your child is getting enough of these nutrients. If your little one is a picky eater, you’re not alone! Talk to their primary care provider if you’re concerned about needing additional support.
10. Play it safe with protective gear.
Vision loss in children is often caused by accidental injuries – and 90% of them are preventable. Use sports goggles or shatterproof glasses for activities like basketball, baseball and hockey.
11. Wash those hands.
Handwashing prevents the spread of germs that cause eye infections like pinkeye. Teach kids to avoid touching or rubbing their eyes with dirty hands.
12. Choose age-appropriate toys.
Toys with sharp edges or projectiles can injure a child’s eyes. Always follow age recommendations on packaging.
13. Teach eye-safe habits.
If something gets into a child’s eye, encourage them to flush it with clean water instead of rubbing. Rubbing can worsen irritation or cause scratches.
14. Help out little ones who wear glasses.
Learning to wear glasses and/or contacts can be tough for little ones! Help them feel confident, and teach them how to clean and store them properly. Clear vision helps them stay safe and engaged in school.
15. Watch for signs of vision problems.
Children may not realize they have a vision issue, especially children who haven’t yet learned to read. Squinting, tilting their head, holding objects close or avoiding reading may indicate a problem.
Santiam Hospital’s primary care providers are there for your family throughout every chapter in life. Have a question about your child’s vision or eye health? Talk to their primary care provider as a first step.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
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