Focusing on maintaining optimal eye health and vision is not just for older Americans. The eyes of children are also at risk and kids deal with vision issues more than you might think.
The younger a child, the fewer the options for measuring eyesight. However, this does not stop professionals from doing what they can to test the eye health of even the youngest.
Measuring the response of the pupil by shining a penlight into the eye is a common way to test an infant’s vision. As babies grow, medical professionals will also test their ability to follow a moving target using a toy or other object.
There is a long list of common pediatric eye conditions doctors must keep an eye on (pun intended) as early as birth, which includes:
It is vital that parents provide the opportunity for their children to receive regular eye exams in order to spot potential developmental abnormalities early on.
Examining the development of different parts of the eye, such as the retinal blood vessels, can reveal potential abnormalities threatening the vision of the child as he or she ages.
Even if eyes are developing without any signs of vision being impaired, it is also vital that parents do all they can to protect their children’s eye health and #1 on the list may surprise you.
With all the means of constant visual stimulation in our society, it is important that children are able to rest their eyes. The strain put on eyes increases exponentially with time so finding a healthy rhythm for engaging in entertainment media is crucial.
Other ways to protect your children’s eyes include making sure they get in the habit of wearing sunglasses and wide brimmed hats while outdoors along with eating enough fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish.
Guardians need to be intentional to scan every environment for potential threats and provide appropriate eye protection for every activity.
The most important step to ensuring the health and safety of a child’s eyes is scheduling a regular examination. In honor of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month this August, schedule an eye exam for the children you love today!
