Vision plays a central role in your child’s development. It affects how they perceive and interact with the world, which is why it’s so important to preserve it. The staff at Hawaii Vision Clinic in Aiea advise that seeing an ophthalmologist regularly is just one aspect of eye care and invite you to celebrate Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month this August. By bringing awareness to vision health, you’ll ensure your children receive any treatments they need and prevent future issues with their eye health.

Signs of Vision Problems

The earlier you recognize vision issues, the lesser the impact they’ll have. There are very specific side effects children show, such as double vision, losing the place when reading, and tilting their head to see. This can lead to learning disabilities and the child avoiding situations—such as reading in front of a class—where they may be embarrassed. Astigmatism, near- and farsightedness, and lazy eye are several common conditions, so see your ophthalmologist if you recognize any of these symptoms in your child. 

Preventing Eye Injuries & Vision Decline

Children are prone to eye injuries because they’re so active. Any time they’re playing sports or working with sharp objects, they should have protective eyewear on. They should also wear UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses whenever they’re outside for extended periods. Children spend a large amount of time in front of computers, tablets, and phones as well. Try to limit screen time each day and ensure they rest their eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes so they don’t dry out.

Diet also plays an important role in eye health. Children need to eat green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and regular amounts of oily fish. Vitamin C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are all essential to eye health and can prevent issues, like cataracts and macular degeneration. Your child also needs to visit the ophthalmologist once a year for an exam and preventative treatment.

Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month is all about preventing eye issues, so stick to the advice above to ensure your child’s eyes stay healthy. If you’re in need of eye care, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist at Hawaii Vision Clinic. Dr. William J. Wong, Jr. has been recognized as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and is committed to ensuring patients maintain their eye health. He and his staff are proud to offer LASIK, cataract surgery, and a variety of corrective options, so visit their website to explore their treatments. If you’re ready to schedule an eye exam, call (808) 487-7938 today, and visit their Facebook page for frequent updates on eye health.