School is out, the sun is shining, and there’s no doubt your kids are ready to run free. Amid the summer vacations, seemingly endless hours of daylight, and chaos of kids in their element, it can be easy to kick back, relax, and just take it easy—we encourage it!
As you chill by the pool or chase your kids around the backyard, you’ll likely be shading yourself and protecting your eyes with sunglasses. After all, that same glorious sun that turns the world into a summer wonderland can also negatively impact your eye health.
It’s equally as important to protect your child’s eyes this summer, as they are susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays, exposure to chemicals, and other summer-centric elements. To help you on your journey to keeping your kid’s eyes safe and healthy, we’ve put together this handy guide. Check it out below.
Sunglasses
The first and likely most obvious tip is to get your child a pair of quality sunglasses with ultraviolet protection. When selecting sunglasses for your kid, there are a few key things to look for, primarily sizing and UV protection.
Have your child try on sunglasses to find the best, most comfortable fit for them. Remember, kids are incredibly active, so you will want to find sunglasses that stay in place while remaining comfortable. You may also want to limit your search to inexpensive options to account for potential damage. You should also opt for 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays to provide the most comprehensive protection.
Hats
What kid doesn’t love accessories?
Even with the addition of sunglasses, UV rays can negatively impact your child’s eyes. If they are going to be outside for extended periods, a hat can provide valuable extra protection. A minimum of a 3” brim is recommended to give that boost of coverage.
Goggles
There’s no better way to cool off in the summer heat than to jump into a pool or take a dip in a natural body of water (beachfront vacation, anyone?).
When going for a swim, it’s important to equip your child with quality goggles that fit properly. Even controlled environments, like swimming pools, can hurt your kid’s eyes because of the harsh chemicals used to keep the water free of dangerous bacteria and the like. As a bonus, they’ll be able to see underwater, and what kid doesn’t love that?
Hydration
It’s easy to let nutrition and hydration fall to the wayside all year, but especially in the summer. As kids spend hours outdoors playing in the heat—or in front of the TV playing video games—the tendency to forget basic nutrition and hydration is even more likely.
Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and even vision problems. In other words, it’s important to help your child stay hydrated even when they’re running wild in the freedom of summer.
Sleep
The excitement of summer seems to permeate every waking hour when you have kids. Just makes sure those waking hours don’t cut into the very necessary hours of rest.
Research has shown that lack of sleep can cause vision problems (in addition to a host of other issues), including eye dryness and irritation. Establishing a somewhat regular bedtime during the summer will help ensure your kid’s eyes stay healthy and that they can enjoy the warmer months to their fullest.
We hope that these quick tips for healthier eyes this summer help you and your child create fun, lifelong memories this year. If you would like more ideas on how to keep your kid’s eyes safe this summer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to share our experience and expertise with you, as well as discuss your specific concerns in detail. Now, get out there and make some summer memories with your loved ones!