Summer is always a fun time, especially for kids. As a parent, however, it’s important that you take steps to protect your child’s eyes during the summer.
Here are four things your eye doctor suggests you do to keep your child’s eyes in good health this season:
1. Remind Them to Use Sunscreen
The skin around the eyes is extremely thin, making it highly sensitive. This is why it’s important to apply sunscreen to this area whenever your child spends time outside. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is another good idea.
2. Have Them Wear Sunglasses With Complete UV Protection
Sunglasses not only look stylish, but they also protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause various vision problems, such as photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitis and even cataracts. If your child wears eyeglasses, you can also ask your eye care expert to have their lenses upgraded with UV-protective coatings.
3. Encourage Them to Wear Goggles in the Water
Water, whether from the pool, lake or ocean, can be harsh on children’s delicate eyes. Chlorinated pool water can cause their eyes to dry out, resulting in eye irritations, while fresh or salty water contains microorganisms that can cause eye infections. To keep your child’s eyes healthy this summer, encourage them to wear goggles when swimming. Doing so can help protect their eyes and, of course, help them see better underwater.
4. Schedule a Visit to the Eye Doctor
No matter the season, bringing your child to the eye clinic is always a good idea. We can examine their eyes for signs of eye problems that may be common during this season, like dry eyes. Then, we can recommend dry eye treatments or other eye care to keep their eyes healthy and help them better enjoy the warm, summer months.
For more tips on protecting your child’s eyes during summer, call us at (410) 600-3173. We serve Westminster and the surrounding MD communities.