I remember finding out I needed glasses when I was in fifth grade and put on my Mom’s glasses at a school band concert just for fun and then realized, wait a minute…I can see SO much better with these on, and off to the eye doctor we went. Thankfully times have changed, and all students enrolling in kindergarten, and any student enrolling for the first time in a public, private, or parochial school in Illinois (with the exception of preschoolers) must have an eye examination. A licensed optometrist or medical doctor who performs eye exams (such as an ophthalmologist) must perform the exam. Thank to Dr. Rachel Helgen from Vision Care Associates for sharing these tips.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when your eyes do not focus light correctly so objects in the distance appear blurry while objects up close appear clear. Myopia affects an estimated 25% of our population.
- Limit leisure screen time to two hours a day or less. Parents – be a good screen time role model (easier said than done, but we can all improve)
- 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Practice good outdoor habits by wearing sunglasses when necessary.
- Ask your Doctor about the latest contact lens options; there have been a lot of advancements over the years.
You can schedule your back-to-school eye appointment with Dr. Rachel Helgen by calling 217-528-3233.
