👀 Healthy Eyes, Happy Kids:

Tips to Support Eye Wellness at Home

Myopia (nearsightedness) is on the rise—especially in children who spend more time indoors and on screens. The good news? Small changes at home can make a big difference in protecting your child’s vision.

☀️ 1. Get Outside—A Lot

Outdoor play isn’t just fun—it’s one of the best ways to slow down myopia.

  • Shoot for 11+ hours a week: That’s roughly 90 minutes a day. Even 200 minutes a week of moderate outdoor light during school hours helps reduce myopia progression.

  • Shade counts: Your child doesn’t need harsh sun to benefit. Playing under a tree, on a lanai, or in a shaded playground still works.

  • Try “Outdoor Minutes Challenges”: Make it a game. Track your family’s outdoor time and celebrate when you hit the weekly goal.

📱 2. Cut Back on Screen Time & Close-Up Work

Eyes need variety—especially distance.

  • Limit device time: Kids who spend 7+ hours/week on close-up screens like tablets and phones are at higher risk for developing myopia.

  • Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

  • Choose big screens over small ones: TVs are easier on the eyes than phones or tablets because they’re typically viewed from a distance.

  • Watch posture: Keep screens at arms length away from their face. Lying down with a phone is a no-no.

🧬 3. Know Your Family History

Myopia can run in the family.

  • If one parent is myopic, your child has a 25% risk.

  • If both are, the risk jumps to 50%.

  • Be proactive: early monitoring = earlier support and prevention.

👓 4. Get Full Eye Exams—Not Just School Screenings

Many vision problems go undetected at school.

  • Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist—not just a quick chart check.

  • Ask your provider about myopia management options like special lenses, eye drops, or behavioral changes.

  • Bonus tip: Start exams by age 3 and repeat annually if your child has risk factors.

🧠 5. Teach & Talk About Eye Health

Kids don’t know what they don’t see.

  • Explain what myopia is in simple terms: “It means your eyes have trouble seeing far away—like the whiteboard or road signs.”

  • Use resources from local campaigns like Baby STEPS Hawaiʻi to share printable tips, trackers, and educational games.

  • Encourage kids to “protect their superpower”—aka their vision—by moving their bodies, taking breaks, and looking far away often.