Here at Real Kids Shades, we feel any observance that focuses on the health and safety of our families is worthy of discussion! In addition to observing UV Awareness Month and National Water Safety Month, we also want to draw your attention to Healthy Vision Month.
Healthy Vision Month was established in 2003 by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and was “designed to elevate vision as a health priority for the Nation by promoting the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as the use of proper eye safety practices, in preventing vision loss and blindness.”
So what steps should you take to keep the eyes and vision of you and your family members healthy? For starters, make sure everyone has an annual comprehensive eye exam. As the NEI shared in a recent press release, these eye exams can detect the need for glasses or contact lenses, as well as detect other diseases or conditions that can cause visual impairment or blindness in their earliest stages “when they’re most treatable.”
Other ways to keep your eyes and vision healthy include:
- Knowing your family’s medical history: Take the time to talk with family members about their medical histories to learn if they have been diagnosed with conditions that could be hereditary, especially issues or diseases that can affect vision.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Several foods that offer nutrients that can benefit eye health can easily be added to your family’s diet. These include dark leafy greens such as spinach, as well as fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna.
- Wear protective gear: Whether you are doing a home-improvement project or playing a game of catch with the kids, be sure everyone has safety gear to protect their eyes. Look for products made with polycarbonate.
- Shield your eyes from the sun: You should protect your eyes from sun damage any time you’re outside. Look for shades for all members of the family that offer protection from UVA and UVB rays.
And speaking of protective sunglasses, Real Kids Shades has a wide variety of sunglasses designed just for kids. Our shades offer UV protection and are made of polycarbonate. Visit our website to check out the many styles of durable shades we have to offer.
For more information on how to keep kids eyes healthy and protect their vision, please check out our blog posts in the Health Talk and Sports and Eye Safety categories.
Image 1 via arztsamui / Freedigitalphotos.net