Baby Safety and Baby Eyewear
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises that babies don’t need eye protection until they’re at least 3 years old. But there are many reasons why you should be concerned about early eye damage and opt to purchase baby eyewear for your infant. Here, we’ll discuss some of the top reasons, and how to tell if your baby needs glasses — plus a few product recommendations to get you started!
Baby Eye Safety
Chances are you’re well aware of the importance of protecting your baby’s skin against harmful UV rays, but did you know that their eyes are just as sensitive? Eye damage can occur when your baby is as young as a few hours old, so it’s important to protect their peepers from the get-go.
Although children don’t tend to get as red, swollen, and inflamed as adults do, it’s important to take eye protection seriously for your infant too.
How Can I Know If My Baby Needs Glasses?
The best way to know if your baby needs glasses is to take your child to an optometrist. They will perform a complete eye exam and can determine if your baby needs glasses. They can also tell you if your baby is at risk of developing myopia in the future.You may hear or see some eye symptoms, such as difficulty focusing or strabismus. Your baby’s eye doctor can also perform an eye scan to determine if a condition called macular degeneration is present.
Generally, if you’re aware of your baby’s need for glasses, you can ask your optometrist about reputable brands. Optometrists are trained to spot a child’s glasses on a visual acuity test. They sometimes will even use the law of thumb to determine if your baby has been wearing their prescription lenses the entire time. This can save you a headache in the future.
How Do I Choose The Best Eyewear For My Infant?
The best advice is to head to your nearest optometrist’s office and ask to try on various styles. The optometrist will be able to advise you on the best frames for your baby but don’t be afraid to ask questions and try out different styles.
Patience is of the utmost importance; you’ll want to be able to say “I’m about to turn five, so at least I’ll be out of danger by this time next year.” And, no, you can’t rush your kid’s developing eyes — only eye exams two years old can give you accurate information. If you’re heading to a brand new store, check with your local mall; they often have special deals. But if you’re doing your own shopping, there might be multiple locations within a reasonable driving distance. Just make sure your child is wearing her prescription.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, energy-repelling lenses should sit 10–12mm above and below the natural depths of the eye — below the level of the eyeball and slightly higher up on the socket. This is a general rule and there are many variations within the two-year-old age range, so if you can’t find a lens that fits your kid within this range, you may need to make some adjustments later on down the road.
As your child ages, it can sometimes be hard to pick the right prescription lenses.
Conclusion: Protecting your child’s eyesight is important for their development, and also a way to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road. The right eyewear can help you do just that. The right eyewear can protect your child’s eyes from harmful UV rays.
UV-induced eye damage can permanently shape your child’s eye bones and result in cataracts. Children ages 6 to 12 are more likely to get cataracts as a result of UV exposure..
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