10th October 2024 was World Sight Day and the theme for this year is ‘Children protect your eyes’. It’s not cliché to say that children are the future, and it is imperative to protect everything about them including their eyesight especially in today’s world where screen time is ever increasing.
So we’d like to give you some tips as to caring for children’s eyes and also highlight common conditions you can find in children
Common eye conditions in children
According to American Academy of Paediatrics, approximately 1 in 4 children has some type of challenge with vision. Some of these conditions include:
- Refractive Errors:
These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. - Strabismus:
Also known as crossed eyes, this condition involves misalignment of the eyes, which can lead to issues with depth perception. - Amblyopia:
Often referred to as “lazy eye,” this condition occurs when one eye doesn’t develop proper vision, leading to reduced eyesight in that eye. - Conjunctivitis:
Commonly known as pink eye, this is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants. - Blocked Tear Ducts:
This occurs when the tear duct is blocked, leading to excessive tearing and sometimes infection. - Ptosis:
This is the drooping of one or both eyelids, which can interfere with vision if severe. - Allergic Reactions:
Allergies can cause itchy, red, or watery eyes, which are often seen in children. - Retinopathy of Prematurity:
This affects premature infants and involves abnormal development of blood vessels in the retina.
Eye Care Tips in Children
Proper eye care can go a long way in preventing eye diseases. Listed below are some of the ways you can practice eye care in children.
Here are some helpful tips for maintaining good eye care in children:
- Regular Eye Exams:
Schedule routine eye check-ups with an eye care professional. Early detection of issues can lead to better outcomes. - Limit Screen Time:
Encourage breaks from screens (computer, tablets, phones) to reduce eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. - Encourage Outdoor Play:
Outdoor activities can help reduce the risk of developing nearsightedness. Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor play each day. - Healthy Diet:
Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which support eye health. - Proper Lighting:
Ensure adequate lighting while reading or doing homework to prevent eye strain. Avoid overly bright or dim conditions. - Protective Eyewear:
Use sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors and safety glasses for sports or activities that could pose a risk to the eyes. - Teach Proper Hygiene:
Remind children not to rub their eyes, wash their hands frequently, and avoid sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup to prevent infections. - Monitor Symptoms:
Keep an eye out for signs of vision problems, such as squinting, tilting the head, or frequent eye rubbing, and consult an eye doctor if you notice any of these behaviours. - Limit Allergens:
If your child has allergies, try to minimize exposure to allergens that can irritate their eyes. - Educate About Eye Safety:
Teach children about the importance of protecting their eyes during activities like sports or using sharp tools.
Don’t take the sight of your loved ones for granted—let’s open our eyes to the importance of vision on World Sight Day!
