Photo by AHMED HINDAWI on Unsplash
It goes without saying that, as a mother, there is nothing like the bond you share with your children. It is something truly unique that you really have to experience in order to believe. From the moment they are born, they become your priority. They are quite often the first thing you think of when you wake up, and your last thought at night.
With parenthood, there also comes a certain sense of responsibility. After all, you must help your children adapt to a healthy lifestyle so that they can carry those skills into adulthood and one day teach them to their own children. One way in which you can help them take better care of themselves is by taking care of their eyesight. Here’s how.
Give them plenty of rest.
One of the easiest ways we can take care of our eyes is by ensuring that they get plenty of rest. Just like our bodies ache after a workout, our eyes can show similar signs of fatigue and need just as much time for rest and recovery. This can help prevent any lasting damage to your eyes later down the line. Thankfully, there are various ways in which you can avoid eye strain. This includes:
Ensuring that your children do not spend too much time looking at a screen, be that a computer or television screen. Set a daily limit and ensure that they stick to it as much as possible.
Taking a break whenever they feel as though their eyes may be strained. For example, for every 45 minutes they spend doing homework, they should take a five-minute break before moving onto the next task.
Ensuring that their room is well-lit, as dim or low-quality lighting can also lead to eye strain.
Turning on the ‘blue light filter’ on your phone or similar devices, alongside ensuring that the brightness isn’t set too high.
Protect their eyes from the sun.
Children love spending time outdoors - whether they are participating in sports or hunting for fairies in the backyard - the more time they spend outside, the better. It gives them an opportunity to exercise, reduces stress and means they can spend time with their friends. However, if they are going to spend a lot of time in the sun, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to take care of their eyes. For example, they should always wear a pair of sunglasses on a bright day. Think of them the same way you think of sunscreen - that way; you’ll never forget! In fact, you should store your sunglasses and sunscreen in the same place so that you cannot miss one when looking for the other.
If your child already wears glasses, you can usually get a prescription pair of sunglasses in the same style.
Attend regular checkups.
Just like we attend the dentist a few times a year for a routine check-up, we should also ensure that the entire family visits an optician to check on their eyes. This is a great way to stay on top of your eye health and can help you address any issues that you may be facing. Regular opticians visits can prevent eyesight from getting worse over time and can sometimes make you aware of other health issues that may need addressing.
Check if they need glasses.
When helping your children to take care of their eyesight, you should also keep an eye for any signs that they might need glasses. This could include:
Complaining of headaches.
Complaining of tired eyes.
Squinting.
Sitting too close to whatever device they are using or holding a phone too close to their face.
Dry, red, or otherwise irritated eyes (not associated with allergies such as hay fever).
Eyes that appear ‘teary’ or ‘watery,’ particularly when they are trying to focus.
Heightened or excessive clumsiness.
Difficulty paying attention or focusing, particularly in school.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time for another visit to the optician. From there, you can help your child pick out some glasses that they love. Thankfully, there are plenty of options when it comes to purchasing glasses for kids - from designer brands to cute, quirky designs featuring their favorite TV or film characters. Be sure to give them the chance to search for a pair of glasses that they love - as they are the ones who have to wear them every single day.
Sometimes, purchasing high-quality glasses can be expensive - but a good pair doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of companies, such as EyeGlasses, who offer cheaper prices for the same brands - and can provide glasses from the whole family - kids included. Be sure to check out their website to find the best deals!
If your child does get glasses, it is also important that you teach them just how important they are. They aren’t just an accessory, nor are they something to be embarrassed about. They are important and need to be treated with care. Teach them to clean their lenses regularly and always keep their glasses in a safe space when they aren’t wearing them. This means you won’t need to replace lost or any broken glasses - and you are continuing to help protect their eyesight.
Teach them just how important it is.
The most effective way in which you can help your children take care of their eyesight is by teaching them just how important it is. For example, if they have noticed any change in their vision - the sooner they speak to you about it, the better as you will be able to get them the help they need. Be sure they know that they shouldn’t ignore these problems or hope they go away. This is particularly important if your family has dealt with sight issues - as they are often hereditary.
As with any lessons, the earlier we help our children understand them - the more useful they will be, so ensure you get started now!
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