Summertime is often filled with joy and anticipation for the activities ahead, such as swimming, biking, and plenty of outdoor play. However, if the parents are not careful and watchful, this precious holiday can quickly become a troublesome nightmare involving many visits to the doctor because of a child's serious eye issues.
Sun exposure can cause a lot of damage not only to the skin but also to the eyes, according to Shady Grove Opthalmology. While the effects of sun damage are likely evident in old age, it will help to be conscious of protecting the eyesight while the kids are still young, so they lessen their risks of developing eye issues.
Here's what parents can do to protect and ensure that their kid's eyesight remains sharp and healthy:
1. Wear sunglasses when going outside.
Sunglasses were not designed for fashion. There's an actual need to wear sunglasses because it keeps the UV radiation away from the eyes. But parents, don't just buy any sunglasses. Pick one featured with 100 percent UV protection.
According to VSP Vision Care, shades with dark lenses do not necessarily come with UV protection but can provide comfort and clarity. Because of this feature, eye doctors highly recommend Nike, Lacoste, or Converse eyewear for kids. The sunglasses also come in kid-friendly colors and designs, which the kids will surely give a thumbs up.
2. Wear goggles when going in the water.
The earliest form of goggles was invented for protection against blindness. But even today, goggles protect the eyes against liquid, chemicals, and mist irritations.
Ensure that the children's goggles are the right size to have maximum protection. After swimming, ask the kids to wash their faces and eyes with clean water. Watch for any signs of irritation around the eyes that could develop hours later.
3. Wide-brimmed hats will shield the whole face outdoors.
Kids may think that wearing a hat is a chore, but it protects their whole face from the harsh sun. Let them choose their own design and style to encourage them to wear the hat more often.
4. Wash hands frequently.
As everyone has learned during the pandemic, washing hands frequently can prevent the spread of diseases. According to Pediatric Eye Associates, this good habit will be helpful with the kids exploring a lot of places in the summer. They will be touching dirt and coming across bacteria that make their eyes susceptible to conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Thus, reminding the children to wash their hands frequently is essential.
5. Don't forgo sunscreen.
The skin around the eyes is one of the most critical areas to protect against the sun as it's very fragile and sensitive. Sunscreens labeled titanium dioxide or zinc are suitable for the eyes because they are usually packaged in stick form, making them easier to apply and won't get into the eyes.
