In Lantana, families are gearing up for school, but one essential task often gets overlooked: your child’s eye health.
Here’s what every parent should know to keep young eyes sharp this school year.
Why Back-to-School Eye Exams Matter
Many vision problems in children fly under the radar. Kids rarely complain because they assume what they see is “normal.” But undiagnosed vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or eye teaming problems can impact learning, sports, and self-confidence.
A comprehensive eye exam does more than check if your child can read the board. It evaluates how well their eyes focus, work together, and handle screens – all critical in today’s digital classrooms.
Common signs of hidden vision issues:
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Frequent headaches, especially after reading
- Squinting or tilting the head to see
- Complaints of blurry vision or tired eyes
How to Manage Screen Time and Protect Young Eyes
From online homework to gaming, screens are part of kids’ daily routines. But too much screen time can lead to digital eye strain.
To help:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.- Adjust screen brightness and keep devices at least 18–24 inches away.
- Consider blue light-filtering lenses, especially if your child uses tablets or computers for extended periods.
Children’s Eyeglasses That Go the Extra Mile
If your child needs glasses, durability matters. Look for:
- Impact-resistant lenses (like polycarbonate) for playground safety
- Flexible, kid-friendly frames that can handle rough use
- Anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare on whiteboards or screens
- UV protection for outdoor activities
Your local Eyecare Professionals offers a range of kid-friendly frames, so there’s no need to sacrifice style for function.