05 Sep Back-To-School Eye Care Tips For Children
Have you ever wondered how to ensure your children keep their eyes healthy while in school? With the increasing use of digital devices and long study sessions, it’s crucial to establish good eye care habits. Neglecting children’s vision health can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and even long-term issues. Teaching children how to take care of their eyes is crucial, especially as they head back to school. Read our blog about back-to-school eye care tips for children, so you can learn how to keep your children’s eyes healthy and strong throughout the school year.
1. Teach The 20-20-20 Rule
To prevent eye strain caused by excessive screen time, remind children about the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, encourage them to look away from their screens and focus on something at least 20 feet away for a duration of 20 seconds. Taking screen breaks can help your child avoid digital eye strain. If you would like to learn more about avoiding digital eyestrain in children, read our blog here.
2. Blink Frequently
Dry eyes can be a common issue when staring at screens for extended periods. Remind kids to blink frequently throughout the school day. This simple action helps keep their eyes moist and reduces discomfort.
3. Wear Protective Eyewear
Whether your child is playing sports, working on science experiments, or using a digital device, make sure they wear appropriate protective eyewear to prevent eye problems or injuries. Electronic devices emit blue light that can potentially harm the eyes over time. Encourage your child to use blue light filters or glasses while using these devices. These filters help reduce the amount of blue light reaching their eyes, minimizing potential damage.
4. Regular Recess And Physical Activity Breaks
Advocate for regular recess periods to give children’s eyes a break from looking at a screen or a board for a long time. Encourage physical activity breaks throughout the day to reduce eye strain. Active play helps alleviate eye fatigue and also promotes overall eye health.
5. Proper Hand Hygiene To Prevent Eye Infections
Teach children the importance of hand hygiene, especially before touching their eyes. Explain how proper handwashing can help prevent the spread of infections that affect the eyes. Promote healthy habits like avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes with dirty hands. If your child wears contact lenses or eyeglasses, it’s important that they understand to wash their hands thoroughly before handling these eye care products.
6. Nutritious Snacks For Healthy Vision
Make sure to pack nutritious snacks in your child’s lunchbox that will support healthy vision. Highlight foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, as these are beneficial for eye health. Examples of these foods include carrots, almonds, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish. If you are looking for more delicious food options that you can offer your child, click our blog here.
7. Promote Regular Eye Exams
Before the school year starts, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam for your child. Regular eye exams can detect any underlying vision problems early on and can ensure that they have optimal vision for learning. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional to ensure their vision is in check for the upcoming school year!
By implementing these back-to-school eye care tips for children in school, we can ensure their visual well-being. Advocating for regular recess breaks, teaching proper hand hygiene practices, and promoting nutritious snacks all contribute to maintaining healthy eyesight among young students. Let’s prioritize our children’s eye care to set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom.
If you haven’t set up an eye exam for your child yet, call Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today at 416.656.2020 (Toronto location) or 416.661.5555 (North York location), or visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ to book an appointment.
