While almost everyone can acknowledge that eye health is vital, many families actually do not implement enough measures to take care of their eyes. Optometrist Dr. Katie Connolly explains that most kids don’t realize what’s abnormal when it comes to their eye health. One of her patients, 13-year-old Jessica Oberoi, was only diagnosed with extreme nearsightedness and amblyopia, or lazy eye, in eighth grade after years of having to squint to see the whiteboard at school.

Jessica is only one out of the 600,000 children and teens estimated by the CDC to have a vision disorder. Many of these visual impairments could’ve been treated or cured if caught early. That is why it is important for parents to be proactive when it comes to their family’s eye health. In this article, we discuss four key ways to do so.

Get regular check-ups

Our vision can face increasing demands as we age. For children, the shrinking size of print in textbooks and the longer amounts of time spent reading and studying can strain their developing eyes. It doesn’t help that the time we spend on screens and technology has increased dramatically in recent years. The American Optometric Association thereby recommends that a comprehensive eye exam should always be first on your back-to-school checklist. Children should also be receiving regular eye examinations every year.

Vision screenings are mandated for school-age children in 40 states and the District of Columbia. To help with the financial burden of these procedures, eye exams for children are required under federal law to be covered by Medicaid and most private health plans.

Research affordable eye health care

The CDC survey also found that only 43% of children who were uninsured had their vision screened, compared with 67% of children with private health insurance. This illustrates how finances are a common reason for some families to skimp on eye health.

In response to the demand for more accessible eye care platforms, local stores such as Walmart and Target have been offering affordable eye exams. Families can schedule an appointment for the entire family with one transaction on Target Optical and, after being checked by a licensed optometrist, can also shop their catalog of prescription glasses. Target Optical includes different brands from the classic Ray-Ban to the timeless Chaps, allowing parents to find frames that fall within their budget. It’s also known to accept most insurance plans and accommodate out-of-network benefits from VSP and Spectra.

Vision test at home

A home vision test is not a substitute for a professional eye exam. However, it can be a helpful monthly tool to determine whether visiting the ophthalmologist is in order. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that you can print out at-home eye tests, available on their website, and guide an adult or older child to read the letters from 10 feet away. You can also encourage younger children to do the same by introducing the chart as a “pointing game.”

An older child or adult should be reading the 20/20 line, whereas a child should be able to see the 20/40 line by age 3 or 4 or the 20/30 line by age 5. You can arrange for a professional eye examination if there are abnormal results.

Choose the right sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential for your children, not just in summer but all year round. Did you know that not all sunglasses offer the right protection for your family's eyes?  You shouldn't just choose a pair based on how they look, but also ones that can offer 100% UV protection. Some are better than others, and it pays to do your research first to find the right pair for your child; consider the fit as well, as larger glasses can provide better protection all around the eyes.

Make sure you consider polarized lenses, as they are suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities. This is because they significantly reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as the sea when on the beach or passing cars if you're on a journey. Make sure if your child needs prescription glasses, that you also match that prescription in their sunglasses so as not to exacerbate their condition and ensure good eye health even whilst out in the sun.

Implement lifestyle changes

In between eye checkups, families can enforce house rules such as limited screen time and strict bedtimes to prevent eye strain. Parents can also be more considerate of the nutritional value of each meal. Incorporating daily servings of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene has been proven to help maintain your eye health. Otherwise, all family members can be trained to practice frequent hand washing to keep bacteria at bay and prevent them from getting in contact with the eye area.

Paying attention to your family’s eye health can make a huge difference in the visual health of your loved ones. By following the tips above, your family members can take better care of their eye health and enjoy seeing what the world has to offer for longer.

If you found this article useful, you might also enjoy our piece on clothing items you should be paying attention to.