How Your Teen Can Support Their Eye Health
As top specialists in eye care, we understand that parents often have numerous concerns regarding their child’s eye well-being. Can a child’s vision get better as they grow older? Do they have to wear glasses their whole life? Why is my teenager’s vision deteriorating? What is considered normal vision for someone aged 15? 17?
However, we’re here to reassure you that taking care of your teenager’s eye health involves more than just eating carrots and always wearing blue light glasses (although these can be beneficial too!).
Schedule routine eye exams
Similar to getting your teeth cleaned regularly and visiting the doctor for a check-up once a year, it’s essential to prioritise the health of your eyes as well. Our eyes are vital for experiencing life and reaching our maximum learning capabilities, making the teenage years a critical period for maintaining good eye health.
We advise that teenagers schedule a thorough eye examination at least every two years, as long as their vision is excellent.
For teenagers who require eyeglasses or contact lenses, it’s important to visit our clinic once a year or as advised by our eye care experts.
Learn how to recognise the warning signs of vision problems in teens
Besides routine eye check-ups, it’s crucial to be aware of the initial signs that might point to vision issues. Spotting vision issues early on is essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
We’ve compiled a set of signs that might suggest deteriorating eye health. If your teenager is showing any of these signs, make an appointment with The Optical Factory at your earliest convenience.
- Decreased vision
- Draining or redness of the eye
- Eye pain
- Squinting
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Double vision
- Floaters
- Circles around lights
- Flashes of light
Limit screen time, if possible, to prevent eye strain
Today’s teens find it tough to put down their devices. After all, modern life is almost centred around screens, whether it’s for online classes, gaming, or scrolling through social media. Adding to this, spending time outdoors also plays a role in the high number of teens facing eye issues.
We understand — it’s a challenge to keep children away from their gadgets, but reducing the time spent in front of screens can ease eye fatigue and decrease the amount of blue light entering their eyes. We recommend avoiding screens in the first hour after waking, an hour before going to sleep, and during meal times. Looking to go further? Try having a day without screens on Saturdays and engage in activities like exploring, solving puzzles, or enjoying the outdoors instead.
Tip: Encourage your teen to blink more, especially when using devices. It might seem easy, but looking at screens for extended periods can lead to fewer blinks. This can cause discomfort or unnecessary stress on the eyes.
Keep blue light glasses handy for screen-time protection
Technology isn’t entirely negative, so when your teenager is in front of a screen, it’s a good idea to have a few sets of blue light glasses available for additional safety. Visit our eye care professionals to select the perfect pair for your teenager.
We suggest having one in their backpack, another in their bedroom, and a third in their favourite spot for watching TV. Having the glasses close by will likely encourage more frequent use.
Tip: It’s crucial to maintain your glasses in good condition and free from smudges. Discuss with your teenager the correct way to clean and store their glasses when they’re not in use.
Protect against UV rays
Even during the colder months, the sun’s rays can harm our eyes if we don’t take steps to protect them. We suggest using sunglasses that filter out 99% or 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Although our children might not be able to wear sunglasses for every activity outside, it’s a good idea to have a couple of pairs on hand for extended car trips and outdoor playtime.
Tip: If you own a pool at your house, we advise getting a few sets of swim goggles that offer UV protection for sunny days spent swimming.
Teach your teen about the 20/20/20 rule
The National Eye Institute instructs following the 20/20/20 guideline to provide weary eyes with a break. This guideline suggests that every 20 minutes spent on a screen, take a 20-second pause to focus on an object approximately 20 feet distant. This practice allows your fatigued eyes to relax and serves as a kind of workout to maintain their health.
Has your teen had a recent eye exam?
Don’t overlook the importance of our eyes. Support your teenager’s eye health by arranging a visit for their upcoming eye check-up.
The Optical Factory team brings a wealth of experience and a genuine dedication to delivering top-notch care to your family. We provide care that is centred on the patient, offering a welcoming environment for kids from new-borns to teenagers.
Your happiness is our foremost concern. We dedicate ample time to discuss your teen’s eye health, vision, and any other relevant topics aimed at enhancing their overall health.
Visit our website to book your teen’s upcoming eye check-up.