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Healthy
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Eye Protection
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then eyesight--which brings us countless pictures of our world everyday--is worth more than words can describe. Protection of the eyes and eyesight should start at birth so that these pictures can continue to unfold. In the childcare setting, it is the caregiver's responsibility to make sure that children's eyes are protected from the sun and from injury due to an object or substance.
Eyes need protection from the sun's rays. Excessive sun exposure can result in cataracts later in life.
- Caregivers should protect infants from sun exposure whenever possible. If infants are outside during the day, the eyes should be shaded from the sun.
- Toddlers and older children should wear sunglasses with lenses that protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays when playing outside during the day. Most young children enjoy wearing glasses. Caregivers should make sure that the lenses protect from UV rays. In addition, exposure to bright sunlight can be momentarily blinding, and protection will help children play safely in outdoor areas.
There is also the danger of trauma to the eyes. Remember to pay attention to the age and responsibility level of a child when selecting toys and games. Always avoid projectile toys such as darts, pellet guns, etc. which can be thrust into the eye from a distance.
- Many of us remember our parents telling us not to run with the scissors or we might poke out an eye. Well, our parents were right. Teach children the correct way to handle potentially dangerous items such as scissors, pencils, or other sharp objects.
- As children get older, teach them to protect their eyes during sports with goggles, safety glasses, or safety helmets with eye coverings. Childcare programs should have adequate supplies of such safety gear available for children to use when appropriate.
Even though you may have all potentially toxic substances locked up, a curious child can still get substances such as hot pepper in the eye. If a chemical, poison, or other irritating substance gets in the eye, immediately flush the eye with water or sterile normal saline (available in drug stores and discount stores) for at least 15 minutes. While flushing the child's eyes, have someone contact a physician, poison control center, medical consultant, or emergency medical service for advice.
The caregiver plays an important role not only in protecting the eyes from harm but in helping parents identify vision problems. The caregiver may be the first adult to notice vision or other potential problems with a child's eyes. If you notice any of the accompanying vision concerns, notify the parents and encourage them to schedule an appointment for the child with an ophthalmologist.
Awareness of potential eye problems in childcare settings can mean preventing vision problems that can last a lifetime.
By Ann Slattery, R.N., R.P.h.Ann Slattery is the Supervisor of the Regional Poison Control Center of Alabama.Watch For
Appearance: Crossed eyes; red-rimmed, encrusted, or swollen eyelids; inflamed or watery eyes; recurring sties.
Behavior: Watch for children who rub their eyes excessively; shut or cover one eye, tilt the head, or thrust the head forward; have difficulty in reading or in other work requiring close use of the eyes; blink more than usual or are irritable when doing close work; stumble over small objects; hold books close to eyes; are unable to see distant things clearly; squint eyelids together or frown.
Complaints: Eyes itch, burn, or feel scratchy; cannot see well; dizziness, headaches, or nausea following close eye work; blurred or double vision.
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