As your child grows and spends more time on screens and studying, maintaining good eye health becomes increasingly important. Regular eye check ups are essential, not only do they help correct vision problems early, but they can also detect signs of underlying health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure. We encourage parents to schedule routine eye exams and to keep an open conversation with their child about any changes in their vision, like difficulty focusing, headaches, or eye strain. 

With longer periods spent outdoors, especially during sunnier months, it's vital to protect your child's eyes from harmful UV rays. Encourage them to wear sunglasses with proper UV protection whenever they're outside for extended periods. This simple habit can prevent long term damage and support healthy vision well into adulthood. Remember, eye health is closely connected to overall body health, so fostering these protective habits now is an investment in their future wellbeing.

This week, during tutor time at Durham School, our tutors have been discussing eye care with students, highlighting practical ways to look after their vision both now and as they mature. We hope these conversations empower our young people to take charge of their eye health and inspire you, as parents, to support them in these important habits. 

Further reading: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/eye-tests-in-children/