Healthy Eyes for Children

Eye care tips for children

• It is never too soon to take your child for an eye examination, as we can examine children’s eyes even if they are unable to read letters. You should aim to take children for their first eye examination at least by the time they are three years old, especially if there is a family history of wearing glasses.
• Always make sure there is plenty of light when your child is doing their homework so they do not strain their eyes to see.
• Always protect your child’s sight in the sun. There is increasing evidence to suggest that over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can contribute to the development of cataracts, age-related maculardegeneration and ocular melanoma (eye cancer).
• Make sure they eat their greens! Eating yellow fruits and green vegetables which contain substancescalled lutein and zeaxanthin could help protect against some eye conditions, in particularcataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
• If your child is computer crazy or a bookworm ensure they take regular breaks from such close work. Although there is no conclusive evidence to suggest either activity causes visual problems or spectacle powers, they can certainly lead to tired, red and sore eyes.
• If your child is computer crazy or a bookworm ensure they take regular breaks from such close work. Although there is no conclusive evidence to suggest either activity causes visual problems or spectacle powers, they can certainly lead to tired, red and sore eyes.
• When your child is playing certain sports, such as badminton, squash or swimming, get them to wear protective goggles so they don’t risk a dangerous eye injury.