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Keeping kids’ eyes healthy

There are lots of simple things that you can do to help keep kids’ eyes healthy.

 

Essential eye checks

Having regular sight tests, every two years, unless you’re advised otherwise by your optometrist, is a great place to start.

Sight tests will ensure any problems such as childhood conditions like squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) or myopia (short- sightedness) are picked up early.

The sooner problems are identified the better the treatment outcome.

Remember sight tests are free on the NHS for all children under 16 years.

 

Eat a rainbow

Eating a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables helps ensure young eyes get the nutrients they need to grow healthily.

Foods like tomatoes, grapes and blueberries as well as fish, eggs and whole grains are packed with eye–friendly nutrients.

 

Go out and play

There is evidence that spending two hours or more a day outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia, even if there is a family history of the condition.

So, make sure children go out to play whatever the weather.

 

Be safe in the sun

It’s also really important to protect kids’ eyes from the sun.

When you’re young the lens at the front of your eye is really clear and lets more of the damaging sunlight in.

Check kids’ sunglasses carry a UKCA or UV 400 mark to ensure they offer adequate protection.

 

Take a break

Children should be reminded to take regular breaks whenever they do any intense close work like scrolling on a phone or reading a book.

Encourage them to look up at least every 20 minutes and relax their eyes for 20 seconds.

Teenagers viewing smart phones should hold the screen at least 30cms away from their face to avoid eye strain.

 

Tell-tale signs

It’s often difficult to tell if your child is having problems with their eyes but some tell-tale signs that there could be something wrong include struggling to recognise colours and shapes; not showing any interest in learning to read; complaining about headaches and sitting very close to the TV

If you recognise any of these symptoms you should arrange for your child to have a sight test.

 

 

Published: 25 September 2024