Children’s vision plays an important role in their development, including their capability to engage with others, their academic performance and ability to learn about the world around them. To ensure optimal eye health, all children need to receive regular check-ups, as without this, concerns about their eye health could be undetected. This is especially important in young people as their eyes are still developing and will help achieve healthy vision in the long term.
Appropriate Care is More Than Meets the Eye
Holistic optometry services essentially mean that the patient is cared for as a whole, rather than just their eye health. The overall well-being of the child is considered, with considerations regarding not only their vision but their general health and lifestyle. The reason this is done is to take into account the unique needs of each patient, rather than treating each child’s needs as one. Preventative care, tailor-made treatment plans and parental education all play a part in maintaining ideal eye health.
At Microprism Vision, we understand the importance of addressing children’s vision as part of their overall development, ensuring their eyes are healthy as they grow.
Common Vision Issues and Methods to Support
There are many vision issues that children can experience, and without the right intervention, this could affect their long-term sight and development. A paediatric optometrist is here to identify and manage children’s visual challenges, offering specialised care that addresses their unique developmental needs. Here are a few common concerns and how to treat them:
- Near-sighted
These individuals have difficulty seeing things that are further away. Spending more time outdoors, partaking in eye exercises and consuming nutrients such as vitamin A and omega 3 can all support this concern.
- Far-sighted
This is where it becomes challenging to see objects that are close, and can cause a strain on the eye. Focusing exercises, a diet containing foods that are rich in nutrients such as carrots and leafy greens, as well as ensuring appropriate lighting for your activity, such as not straining to read, will help.
- Lazy eye
Often wandering inwards or outwards, the affected eye has reduced vision. Methods to support this include strength exercises, and eye patches or drops. Early and consistent lazy eye treatment is crucial for improving vision and preventing long-term visual impairments in children.
Top Tips to Support Eye Health at Home
As a parent, it is much more effective to implement preventative methods to protect your child’s eye health. Take a look at these simple tips that you can incorporate into your child’s daily routine:
- Limit screen time
Limit the time your child spends staring at a screen, as well as encouraging them to take regular breaks. Also, blue light prescription glasses help shield your child’s eyes from strain associated with extended screen use
- Use protection
Protective eyewear when playing sports, or sunglasses in good weather, will protect your child’s eyes from injury and sun damage.
- Control the lighting
Maintaining proper lighting for activities such as homework and reading will help to prevent eye strain.
- Eye exams
Take your child to regular eye tests so they can be examined by a professional.
Eye Care is Essential for a Child’s Overall Development
It’s important to ensure that adequate eye care is provided for all children, to promote the health of their eyes now, in the future and for their overall development. Instead of addressing the eye alone, it’s advantageous to think about the person as a whole, whilst taking into account their individual requirements and providing personalised, holistic care. We hope that we have covered just how critical eye care is for all patients, especially in children, and have provided some useful information on how to maintain and support healthy vision.
Get in contact with Microprism Vision.