Top Tips for Improving Teen Eye Health

Teenagers spend a significant portion of their day using digital devices, studying, and engaging in outdoor activities—all of which can impact their eye health. As vision plays a crucial role in academic performance, sports, and overall well-being, it’s essential to take proactive steps to maintain good eye health during these formative years. Here are some top tips for improving teen eye health.

Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams

One of the most important steps in maintaining healthy vision is ensuring your teen receives regular eye exams. Many teenagers don’t realize they have vision problems until it starts affecting their daily activities, such as struggling to see the whiteboard in class or experiencing frequent headaches. Changes in vision can be subtle, making it essential for an optometrist to monitor their eye health annually.

Reduce Screen Time and Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Teens today spend several hours each day staring at digital screens, whether it’s for schoolwork, social media, gaming, or entertainment. Prolonged screen exposure can lead to digital eye strain, which causes symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty focusing.

Encouraging teens to follow the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eye strain—this means taking a break every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, adjusting screen brightness, using blue light filters, and ensuring proper posture can further minimize strain. Parents should also set limits on recreational screen time and encourage outdoor activities to give their teen’s eyes a much-needed break.

Wear Protective Eyewear for Sports and Outdoor Activities

Teens who are active in sports or outdoor activities should take extra precautions to protect their eyes from potential injuries and harmful UV rays. Activities like basketball, soccer, baseball, and racquet sports pose a risk of eye trauma from impact injuries, making protective eyewear an important safety measure.

For outdoor activities, UV-blocking sunglasses can shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of long-term damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Prescription sports goggles are available for those who need vision correction, ensuring that teens can perform their best while keeping their eyes safe.

Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene

For teens who wear contact lenses, proper hygiene is crucial in preventing infections and eye discomfort. Failing to follow proper care routines can lead to bacterial buildup, redness, irritation, and even serious infections like keratitis.

Teens should always:

•          Wash their hands before handling contact lenses.

•          Follow the prescribed replacement schedule.

•          Never sleep in lenses unless prescribed for extended wear.

•          Use fresh contact lens solution daily and avoid using tap water or saliva.

Consider Ortho-K for Myopia Control

Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) is a non-surgical vision correction option that is particularly beneficial for teens experiencing myopia progression. These specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

This treatment is an excellent option for teens who are active in sports, swimming, or dislike wearing glasses, as it provides freedom from corrective lenses during daily activities. Additionally, Ortho-K has been shown to slow down myopia progression, reducing the long-term risk of severe nearsightedness. If your teen’s prescription is rapidly changing, discussing Ortho-K with an optometrist can provide an effective solution to manage their vision.

Schedule an Eye Exam at eye&I Today

Maintaining good eye health during the teenage years sets the foundation for lifelong vision care. By implementing these simple but effective tips, teens can reduce eye strain, improve comfort, and protect their eyesight for the future.

At eye&I, we are committed to providing personalized eye care for teens and the entire family. If your teen is experiencing vision problems, schedule an eye exam to ensure their eyes stay healthy and strong. Visit our office in Bayside or Great Neck, New York. Call (718) 279-2020 or (516) 344-5662 to book an appointment today.