Protecting Your Child's Eyes: Safety Tips for Everyday Activities

Kids are exposed to a number of potential eye hazards every day, from harmful UV rays to sharp objects and sports injuries. As parents, it's our responsibility to ensure that their eyes are well-protected. This becomes even more important as summer ends, and kids start returning to school.

Throughout National Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, Kirk Eye Center provides valuable tips on keeping your child's eyes healthy. Call our offices in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL to book an eye exam or consult with our experienced eye doctors today.

Outdoor activities

Playing in the park, riding a bike or scooter, and swimming are all fun for kids. However, they also pose certain risks to their eyes. Here's what you can do to protect their eyes during outdoor activities:

• Make sure your child wears sunglasses with 100% UV protection. This will protect their eyes and reduce their risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration in the future.
• Encourage them to wear helmets while biking, skateboarding, or during any activity that involves potential head injuries. This covers their heads and helps prevent potential trauma.
• Provide goggles for your child to wear while swimming in the pool or spending a day at the beach. Goggles will keep chlorine and other chemicals from entering their eyes and causing eye infections.

Indoor activities

While indoor activities may seem safer, potential hazards could still harm your child's eyes. Here are some precautions you can take during National Children's Eye Health and Safety Month:

• When playing sports indoors in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, make sure your child wears the appropriate eye protection. This includes wearing safety goggles or glasses with polycarbonate lenses during high-risk sports like basketball, racquetball, or squash.
• Make sure they play with age-appropriate toys and avoid sharp objects like scissors, knives, or toy guns that shoot projectiles. If not used properly, these objects can cause serious eye injuries. Instead, consider toys that promote hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Keep hazardous household products out of reach and locked away. These include cleaning solutions, chemicals, and even certain cosmetics that can be harmful if they come in contact with the eyes.

Screen time

Children are spending more time than ever in front of screens, whether it's watching TV, using a computer, or playing video games. While screens can be educational and entertaining, too much screen time can cause eye strain and vision problems. Our eye doctors recommend:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, have your child look away from the screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Make sure they are sitting at an appropriate distance from the screen, with their eyes level at the top of the screen. This will reduce strain on their neck and eyes.
• Encourage them to take frequent breaks and engage in other activities that don't involve screens, such as reading or playing outside.

Protect their eyes and eye health

National Children's Eye Health and Safety Month is the perfect time to book an eye exam. Visit Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss any concerns you may have about your child's vision. Our experienced eye doctors can recommend the appropriate solutions or treatments if needed. Remember, good eye health starts early.