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Back-to-School

Getting everyone ready to head back to school can be an exciting time of year. But your to-do list can fill up fast, and it’s challenging to get the kids’ clothing and supply shopping finished before the first day of school arrives. Did you forget to schedule your back-to-school child eye exams in all the hustle and bustle? Before you check the eye doctor off your list, consider these stats:

5-10% of preschoolers and 25% of school-aged children have vision problems

60% of parents don’t feel an eye exam is an essential part of a child’s check-up schedule

Did you know that, when left untreated, some childhood vision problems can be mistakenly diagnosed as a learning disorder, or can eventually cause permanent eye health and vision problems? Additionally, with how quickly children grow, their eyes can change drastically from year to year, requiring regular eye exams to be sure their eyewear helps them see clearly.

Routine Child Eye Exams

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. Additional exams should be scheduled for three years of age and before they begin kindergarten or first grade. Parents should at least schedule a pediatric eye exam at least every two years if nothing else.

Children’s Eyewear

Designers for children’s eyewear create the frames and lenses with highly durable and shatter-resistant materials. Designer glasses that are both fashionable and functional are also available. It’s easy to get kids excited about glasses, especially when frames can be fun colors and a great way to reflect their unique personality!

Time to schedule an appointment before back-to-school? Visit our website to request an appointment online or call our office!

Statistics via thinkaboutyoureyes.com

Stay Indoors

During peak allergy season (spring and fall), avoid being outdoors as much as possible. This will reduce the risk of being in direct contact with free-floating allergens and will lessen the chances of the pesky pollen sticking to your clothing.

Wash Often

Maintain a strict shower regimen. Consider switching to night showers if you don’t already to remove stubborn allergens from your hair and skin. A hot shower also helps clear nasal passages, so you can breathe easier at night. Make sure you are washing your hands frequently, too, especially if you have pets.

Do the Laundry

To save face, keep the bedding clean from any pollen, dust, and dander that can accumulate on your sheets and pillowcases. It might be helpful to invest in a mattress cover to protect your sensitive eyes from dust mites looking for a cozy rest stop. Remember, pets can cause allergy symptoms to heighten, so consider keeping the animals outside the bedroom.

Avoid Contact

Itchy eyes are the worst, but try to maintain a “laissez-faire” approach when it comes to your face. Using your hands to itch, rub, or otherwise keep in contact with your face increases the chance of additional bacteria and allergens getting under your skin. Resisting the temptation to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth can help with symptom flare-ups.

Plan Ahead

Heading to a friend’s house or to see relatives for the weekend? Ask about the allergen situation of the home, especially if they have pets or live in the country. Knowing possible triggers ahead of time can help you prepare better, even if that just means packing a few extra boxes of tissues.

Cover Up

If you find it difficult to stay indoors, even during high allergy counts, cover up as much as possible. Sunglasses, in addition to protecting you from harmful UV light, can act as a buffer between air-borne allergens and your eyes. During allergy season, your eyes are generally more sensitive to light anyway, so opting for the shades will be a win-win.

Deep Clean

Especially if you have pets, keeping the house allergy-proof is necessary for helping reduce allergy symptoms. Make sure carpets and upholstery are vacuumed regularly. Switch out furnace filters in the winter and keep the air conditioner running in the summer to ensure the house has clean air.