Summer is finally here! The warmer weather allows more time outdoors, which is excellent for your child's physical activity levels. However, summer also comes with some challenges, for example, harmful UV rays. Making sure you are safe during the summer months is crucial for your child's health, including their vision. Here are some tips from the eye care experts to help keep your child's eyes safe all summer long:
- Put on a Headgear
A headgear with a brim all the way around is ideal for protecting your child's eyes from the sun. A baseball cap or visor can be suitable for sports, but it doesn't offer much protection for the sides of the eyes. Wearing headgear with a brim will help protect your child's eyes from harmful rays. It's easy to find a headgear that your child will love to wear, offering protection while they enjoy the summer sun.
- Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just a fashion accessory. They are essential to protecting your child's eyes from the sun. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and that fit well on your child's face. It is also important that your child likes wearing their sunglasses so that they will keep them on while outdoors. Summer involves a lot of time spent outdoors, and dust and pollen can also be a problem during the summer months, so sunglasses can help keep your child's eyes protected from that.
- Choosing the right pair of Sunglasses
When looking for sunglasses for your child, choosing a 100% UV protection pair is essential. Look for sunglasses labeled "UV 400," which means they will block all harmful rays from the sun. Darker has better protection; however, very dark lenses can make it difficult to see, so you may want to choose a lighter lens for your child. The sunglasses should fit nicely on your child's face to stay in place and offer maximum protection.
- Avoiding Eye Injuries
The summer months are the ultimate time to be outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer, and it is also essential to be aware of the dangers that come with it. Avoiding eye injuries should be a priority for all parents. Here are some tips to help prevent eye injuries this summer:
- Wear Protective Eyewear
When participating in her active sports or any other activity, there is a risk of getting hit in the face. This includes baseball, softball, lacrosse, and hockey.
- Avoid Looking at the Sun Directly
Don't look directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. This can cause severe damage to your eyes. A solar eclipse can be watched after wearing special glasses that offer 100% protection from UV rays.
- Eye Gear During Swimming
Swimming goggles should be worn by anyone swimming in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine can be very harmful to the eyes, and it is crucial to ensure that your child's eyes are protected when swimming. In addition to goggles, you may also want to consider wearing a swim cap to keep your child's hair out of their eyes.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily.
Drinking water and eating a healthy diet are vital for overall health, but they are also crucial for eye health. Eating fruits and vegetables will help keep your child's eyes healthy, while drinking a lot of water will also help keep the eyes hydrated and free from irritation.
- Visit the Optician Regularly for Checkups
Even if your child's vision seems fine, it is important to have their eyes checked by a qualified optician regularly. Children's vision can change quickly, and problems not caught early can lead to difficulties later on. A comprehensive eye exam can help identify potential issues to be treated immediately.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your child's eyes this summer. With the right precautions, your child can enjoy all the summer offers while keeping their eyes safe. Be your best parent and keep your child's vision in mind this summer!