You will probably be responsible for your children's vision care during their early years, including any nearsightedness-related special care they may require. As your child gets older, you and them may need to work together on this. You're teaching your child healthy habits and preparing them for adult management of their eye care by offering them responsibility. The following are some methods to involve your kids in their eye care:
Teach Your Kids About Farsightedness
Explain to your kids what having myopia means. Let's start with a basic definition: items closer to us appear clearer, whereas objects farther away may appear fuzzy. Tell them that myopia affects a large number of people, both young and elderly, and that symptoms like headaches, eyestrain, and squinting to see objects are possible. Discuss the benefits of routine eye exams and the necessity of setting aside time to schedule these appointments with the eye doctor.
You can start teaching your child how to access their health records when they are approximately 12 years old. Permit them to access a doctor's health care portal via the computer.
Having a more relaxed feeling during doctor's appointments
It's normal for kids to have anxiety or worry before seeing a doctor. Here are some suggestions to help youngsters get along with an appointment:
Talk to someone about the visit. Reassure your kids and allay any worries they may have about what may transpire when they see the doctor. Inform your kids in advance about the visit.
Tell your kids why you are visiting them. Inform them that you get checked out too and that visiting the doctor is a part of self-care. Inform children that several machines will be used by the doctor to examine their eyes.
Together, read books about visiting the doctor. Role playing may be a good idea, depending on your child's age, to help them get a better understanding of what to expect on the day of the visit.
Urge them to consult the physician. As you enter the room, let your kids know that it's okay to ask questions and to share any concerns or fears they may have with the doctor.
Combine Screen Time With Other Activities in Moderation
Reducing screen time may help children's myopia progress more slowly. Since we use digital devices for most of our personal and academic pursuits, striking a balance can be challenging. Together with your child, establish ground rules that benefit both of you. Discuss the following with your child and allow them to share their thoughts:
Where does your youngster have access to digital devices? Set aside specific spaces, like their room or the car, as no-go zones for electronics before bed.
When is your youngster allowed to use the computer? Give your kids the freedom to choose when they want to use their tablet, phone, or computer. Give them a say in how their digital technology sessions are run. Your child is likely to take responsibility for these rules if you work with them to establish them.
What other pursuits is your child interested in? Talk to them about their other interests, such as baking, crafting, playing an instrument, or participating in sports. One excellent strategy to help your youngster reduce screen time naturally is to spend time with other interests.
When is the scheduled outside time? Getting outside is one of the best ways to balance screen time. Let your youngster know that they must spend time outside and let them choose how to spend that time.
Teach Your Kids How to Take Care of Their Eyeglasses
The initial line of treatment for myopia in youngsters is typically glasses. Allowing your youngster to choose their own frames can help them get acclimated to them. Your youngster may be more likely to take care of their glasses if they select them. Here are some more pointers:
Give them practice putting on and taking off their glasses.
Teach children to put their glasses in a case or return them to an adult when they take them off. Congratulate them on their responsible behavior when they do return them to you.
While they are wearing the spectacles, give them praise.
Show them how to take care of their glasses in their case.
Include Your Kids in Their Daily Contact Lens Care Routine
By the age of eight, most myopic children can begin wearing contacts. Finding out how they manage other obligations, particularly personal hygiene, is essential to determining if they're prepared to wear contacts.
However, there are methods to help your youngster learn to be accountable for their daily contact lens routine:
Tell them to properly wash and dry their hands.
Show them how to clean, sanitize, and rub their contact lenses. To ensure your child is following directions, watch them as they complete these stages.
Remind them not to moisten their contacts with saliva or water.
If their eyes are inflamed or irritated, warn them not to wear their contacts.
In situations where they are unsure whether to wear their contacts or not, encourage them to ask you questions.
Have Fun with It
Rewarding children periodically will increase the likelihood that they will take an active role in their eye self-care. You can devise rewards that are practical for your family, such as additional screen time, stickers, or gift cards. In situations where getting eye care isn't convenient, rewards may encourage children to behave appropriately.
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