Vision plays an integral role in every aspect of your child’s life. Without clear eyesight, they can have trouble keeping up with their peers in the classroom and difficulties connecting with friends. Here are a few ways to help them protect their eyes.

3 Tips to Protect Your Child’s Eyes

1. Wear Protective Gear

Outside factors are a constant threat to your child’s eyes. To guard against harmful UV rays, have them wear sunglasses when outdoors. To prevent trauma, make sure they always wear protective goggles when playing sports or working with sharp objects.

2. Cut Down Screen Time

The blue light from mobile devices, computers, and TVs can eventually lead to eye strain. Your child may begin experiencing headaches, less clarity in their vision, and dizziness. Over time, prolonged screen time may contribute to eye health problems like macular degeneration. Limit screen time throughout the day, and make sure they take breaks every 20 minutes.

3. Schedule Eye Exams

Children with healthy vision should see the eye doctor every two years. Those with existing vision issues should have exams more regularly as advised by their doctor. During an eye exam, the optometrist will look for warning signs of underlying vision issues and develop solutions, such as glasses or lifestyle changes, to prevent them or slow their progression.

4. Provide Nutritious Meals

Serve your child healthy meals to promote vision development. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends kale, salmon, oranges, and black-eyed peas because they contain zinc, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids—all of which contribute to eye health. 

If your child is overdue for an eye exam, bring them to Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates. Dr. Endo serves patients of every age throughout Oahu and is a yearly recipient of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s “Best Optometrists” award. Alongside general eye care, he and his team offer nutritional counseling, contact lens fitting, laser surgery, and ocular prosthetics. Explore his practice and cutting-edge treatments further online. Call (808) 487-5500 today to schedule a vision exam today.