Summer vacation is finally here! While summer is a great time for kids to enjoy the outdoors, it's essential to prioritize their eye health and protect their vision from potential harm. In this blog post, we will discuss valuable tips to ensure your children's eyes stay safe and healthy during summertime and summer vacation.

Wear Eye Protection for Sports
 

Summer offers a wide array of sports and recreational activities that children love to engage in. Whether it's swimming, biking, soccer, or basketball, wearing appropriate eye protection is crucial. Protective eyewear such as goggles, helmets with face guards, and sports-specific glasses can shield your child's eyes from potential injuries like blunt trauma or foreign objects. Encourage your children to wear proper eye protection whenever they participate in sports to minimize the risk of eye-related accidents.

Shield Their Eyes from Harmful UV Rays

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can have long-term detrimental effects on the eyes, including increased risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Protecting your child's eyes from harmful UV rays should be a top priority during the summer months. Here are a few ways to accomplish this:

●      Sunglasses
Choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection and have larger frames to cover a larger area around the eyes. Look for sunglasses specifically designed for children, as they are more likely to be comfortable and durable.

●      Hats and Visors
Encourage your child to wear wide-brimmed hats or visors when outdoors to provide additional shade and protection from direct sunlight.

●      Timing
Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense.

Encourage Regular Breaks from Screen Time

With more free time during summer vacation, children may be tempted to spend long hours on electronic devices. Excessive screen time can strain their eyes and contribute to digital eye fatigue. Encourage regular breaks from screens, ideally every 20 minutes, and advise them to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Encouraging outdoor play and engaging in other non-screen activities will help reduce eye strain and promote overall well-being.

Maintain Proper Hydration

Dehydration can affect various aspects of our health, including eye health. During hot summer days, make sure your child drinks an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated. Proper hydration ensures that their eyes stay moist and lubricated, reducing the risk of dryness, discomfort, and potential eye irritations.

Annual Comprehensive Eye Examinations

Summer vacation is an excellent time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child. Eye exams can detect vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, which may impact your child's overall academic performance and quality of life. Regular eye exams are vital to ensure that your child's vision remains healthy and any potential issues are addressed promptly.

Summer is a time of adventure and exploration for children, but it's important not to overlook their eye health amidst the excitement. By following these essential tips can help safeguard your child's eyes and promote their overall well-being.

If your child experiences any eye issues this summer or you’d like to schedule their annual eye examination, the eye doctors at Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry are here for you and your family. Us at Call (702) 452-2020 or text GLASSES to 21000 and a member of our caring team will be in touch!