Teaching Your Family About Proper Eye Health

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Poor eye health is on the rise across all ages, posing a growing concern around the globe. In fact, 2022 research shows that rates of short-sightedness have doubled in the last 50 years in the UK and Europe alone, and some even estimate that half of the world’s population will be short-sighted by 2050.

This tells us that many individuals, from adults to children, are facing eye problems that can impact their quality of life. As a result, it becomes crucial for mums to take the initiative and educate their families about the importance of proper eye care practices. Let’s take a closer look below.

Rising concerns in eye health

Increased screen time and reduced time spent outdoors have contributed to the rise in eye health concerns in the digital age. Up to 90% of adult computer users say they experience dry eye symptoms, whereas rates of dry eye disease among younger children have increased from 6.6% to 44% in recent years.

Digital devices emit blue light, a high-energy visible light that can penetrate deep into the eye. Otherwise, extended screen time is believed to modify one’s blink dynamics, thereby facilitating the onset and progression of ocular surface changes. These factors lead to digital eye strain and an increased risk of short-sightedness or myopia. For older children and adults, prolonged near-work activities can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia development, whether in professional, educational, or leisure settings.

The demands of modern lifestyles, with hours spent on screens for work, education, and entertainment, have further exacerbated the risk of myopia and other visual impairments. Fortunately, there are still things parents can do to minimise eye strain. For example, Matt Oerding, founder of the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition, recommends spending just 76 extra minutes outside a day as it can reduce the risk of myopia by up to 50%.

Actionable tips for proper eye health

With these alarming trends, it becomes essential for mums to proactively educate their families about proper eye health practices.

Wear sunglasses

Protecting your family’s eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health. Not only is the UV-blocking feature important but the design and style of the sunglasses can also encourage fashion-conscious teens and adults to wear them regularly. With a wide selection of frames available, consider exploring the catalogue of sunglasses on online retailers. On Glasses Direct, you can enhance any frame from popular brands, such as Ray-Ban or Tommy Jeans, with £15 light-blocking tints. You can also avail of a convenient Free Home Trial, which allows families to try out different frames and find the perfect fit for everyone’s style and comfort.

Get regular eye tests

It can be especially difficult for younger children to report vision problems. Hence, regular eye examinations are vital for detecting and addressing any potential issue. Minors can get free tests from the NHS, while stores like Boots and Costco also offer them for convenience. After examination, your ophthalmologist can prescribe eyeglasses or any other intervention to prevent long-term complications. Ensure that these glasses are fitted by a qualified eye care professional and are comfortable for everyday use. Otherwise, you can encourage a child to wear the glasses more frequently by once again allowing them to be involved when choosing the frame and design.

Implement lifestyle changes

Help your family adopt healthy lifestyle habits that promote good eye health. You can still teach children to embrace technology and play online games with the entire family while imposing a rule on limited screen time and breaks to rest the eyes. Otherwise, you can also try to incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to provide essential nutrients for maintaining healthy eyes.

By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, mums can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their family’s eye health. Make it a family effort and lead by example by practising healthy eye care in your daily routine. In doing so, you can help protect your loved ones’ vision and ensure your family’s bright and healthy future.