Protect Young Eyes for a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

Hawaiian Eye Center News Release
As children across Hawaii head back to school, their parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers are encouraged to make eye health a priority. For  Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month this August, Hawaiian Eye Center is raising awareness about the importance of protecting children’s vision and establishing healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Children rely heavily on their eyesight to learn, understand, play and explore. Yet many are susceptible to vision problems, eye injuries, infections and increasing rates of nearsightedness (myopia). Early detection and prevention are essential to preserving healthy vision and helping children succeed both in and out of the classroom.
“Healthy vision is critical to a child’s development,” says Dr. Steven Rhee of Hawaiian Eye Center. “Simple daily habits can reduce the risk of eye injuries and long-term vision problems.”
Hawaiian Eye Center encourages families and keiki caretakers to incorporate these simple practices into their daily routines:

•       Know the warning signs. Squinting, sitting very close to screens, frequent headaches, rubbing the eyes, covering one eye, difficulty reading, or declining school performance may all indicate an underlying vision problem.
•       Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. Many vision problems develop without obvious symptoms. Routine eye examinations can detect issues early, often before they affect school performance or daily activities.
•       Limit recreational screen time and encourage outdoor play. Research has shown that spending more time outdoors may help slow the development of nearsightedness. Encourage children to take frequent breaks from phones, tablets, computers and video games by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
•       Protect young eyes from the sun. Hawaii’s strong year-round ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the eyes over time. Children should wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays along with a wide-brimmed hat whenever spending extended time outdoors.
•       Wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. Whether playing baseball, basketball, soccer or participating in activities like airsoft, paintball, or woodworking, children should wear protective eyewear to reduce the risk of serious eye injuries.
•       Practice good hygiene. Teach children to wash their hands regularly and avoid rubbing their eyes, which can cause eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).
•       Eat food that supports healthy vision. A balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, and other nutrient-dense foods support developing eyes.

This Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Hawaiian Eye Center reminds families that protecting children’s eyesight today can help preserve healthy vision for years to come. For more information about eye health, visit www.HawaiianEye.com.