Protect Your Kids' Eyes

A foam dart whizzes through the air. You know this because it barely misses your ear while you’re sitting in the front room paying a few bills online. This black dart of foamy death—launched with precision from behind the piano—continues on its high-speed trajectory past the mid-century modern couch and makes contact with its intended target: your younger son’s forehead. Seems pretty harmless, right? Well, not exactly. It could’ve hit his eye. And when you consider that eye problems account for a bulk of the medical costs across the nation, this is a sight that could make any set of eyes sore.

Keep your eyes on the prize: saving money.

There are a number of eye conditions that can affect children. And when you add in the other potential hazards that lurk around every corner (crayons, toy guns, scissors, BB guns, drumsticks, sharp corners of any countertop, etc.), you start to see how important preventive action can be.

Diagnosing and treating these issues early, as well as minimizing dangerous injuries, is critical for maintaining the health of children’s eyes. It will also save you money.

But what can you do now to protect your child’s vision?

Be familiar with potential eye problems. Knowing what to watch out for is an important first step. This kind of proactivity will ensure that you can get your kids in front of an eye specialist before anything advances too far. Here are three conditions to be aware of:

  • Amblyopia: visual acuity of one eye is better than the other
  • Ptosis: child’s upper eyelid droops enough to cover the entire eye
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye): can happen from not washing hands

Eye danger proof your home. This is more than just a catchy phrase. As your child’s guardian, you can take preventive measures to keep children’s eyes where they belong—in their head. You can also follow these simple guidelines:

Supervise as often as you can.

This doesn’t mean you have to be an annoying traffic cop, but you can be nearby and aware of what the kids are playing with. Guide their activities with suggestions of what to do, and periodically check in to see how things are.

Designate safe areas to play.

It’s almost impossible to moderate each situation, but when the kids are home with you, let them play in areas designed for play. Use carpeted areas with lots of pillows and cushions, and remove any furniture with sharp edges or corners.

So why care for your kids’ eyes? They don’t grow on trees.

Kids are known for bouncing back from pretty much anything. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a proactive approach to keep their eyesight as healthy as it can be. Keeping these things in mind will help you protect them and safeguard your wallet against any unnecessary medical expenses.

If you’re currently without a vision plan, VSP has just what you need. Find vision coverage now or call 800.785.0699 and let our experts help you find the eye insurance plan that’s best for your family.

 

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Plus, your membership supports vision-related charities too.

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