World Sight Day: Tips to care for your child’s eye health

In celebration of World Sight Day, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) through its president, Dr. Anderson Chimeziri, has stressed the importance of eye care for children and young people.

The NOA’s theme for the World Sight Day, which celebrated annually on October 10, is “Love Your Eyes – Vision for Children.” This theme highlights the critical need to prioritise the vision health of our future generation. Ensuring children’s eyes are healthy and functioning optimally is crucial for their academic success, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

In a guide, the NOA noted some essential steps one can take to protect and preserve a child’s vision. From regular eye examinations to healthy lifestyle habits and a safe environment, the group provided practical tips and advice to help you safeguard your child’s ocular health.

1. Regular eye examinations

NOA recommends regular scheduling of your child’s eye examination; this usually begins around age six months. Do a follow-up regularly, specifically every two years. If any issues are detected, follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for further evaluation or treatment. Ensure that your child receives comprehensive eye exams, including tests for vision acuity, color vision, and eye muscle function.
Moreso, the World Sight Day which took place on October 10, 2024, NOA committed itself by offering free vision screenings for children and providing complimentary eyeglasses to those in need and this starts Friday, October 11th, 2024. Their “Walk for Sight” rallies, advocacy visits, and media engagements are all geared towards raising awareness about the importance of eye care for children. Every parent is to seize this opportunity to screen his or her child.

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2. Practice healthy lifestyle habits

Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients for eye health. A balanced diet will always be the best option when it comes to taking care of all health-related issues as it contains essential nutrients and Vitamins to combat any ailment.

3. Limit screen time

In a world that is populated by many reels, intriguing cartoons and stories to keep one glued for the day, it still an A game to set reasonable limits on screen time, including television, computers, smartphones, and tablets not just for your kids but also for you. Also teach children to hold books, other reading materials and digital devices at arm’s length.

4. Decentre recommended eye glass stereotype

Protect your child’s eyes from harmful UV rays by ensuring they wear eyeglasses with adequate UV protection. Also encourage your child to take regular breaks from close-up activities like reading or writing. More importantly, decentre every form of eye glass stereotype for your children. It’s totally normal to use recommended eyeglasses and still be a life of the party child. Encourage your kids to wear recommended glasses and speak up on the healthy reasons people need to wear recommended glasses.

5. Ensure safe environment and proper lightings

Ensure your child has adequate lighting for reading, studying, and playing indoors. Avoid harmful chemicals and irritants that can impede your child’s eye health and overall well being. Keep your child away from harmful chemicals that can irritate the eyes. Also, if your child participates in sports or activities that involve potential eye injuries, ensure they wear appropriate protective gear.

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6. Do away with harmful traditional practices

Avoid harmful traditional practices like putting breast milk or urine in the eyes of your children. Do not also put urine in your eyes to ‘cure’ conjunctivities or other eye conditions. Additionally, avoid sharing personal items like towels or makeup.

Signs of vision problems

Below are the signs of vision problems as stated by the president of NOA, Dr. Anderson Chimeziri and you should see an optician as soon as you notice any:

a) Squinting or Rubbing eyes: These can be signs of blurry or strained vision.
Difficulty reading or seeing objects at a distance: Vision problems can interfere with these activities.

b) Sensitivity to light: This could indicate a vision issue or an underlying health condition.

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c) Headaches: Frequent headaches can sometimes be related to vision problems.

d) Sudden vision changes: If your child experiences sudden changes in vision, such as blurry or double vision, seek immediate medical attention.

e) Persistent eye pain or discomfort: Chronic eye pain or discomfort should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

f) Redness or swelling: These symptoms could be signs of an infection or other eye problem.