Debbie Did you know that visual conditions are among the most common disabilities in children? For this reason, parents should help their children develop healthy habits from a young age. Doing so can preserve their vision and eye health.
This post will share some helpful eye care tips! Read about them below and see how you can implement them into your child’s daily routine.
1. Maintain a Nutritious Diet
Providing a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your child’s eye health. Your primary focus should be including fresh, whole ingredients packed with nutrients, including:
- Zinc (protects against damage)
- Omega-3 (prevent dryness and cataracts)
- Vitamin A (fights night blindness)
- Vitamin C and E (prevent infections and restore tissues)
A nutritional diet will also ward off conditions such as obesity and hypertension, both linked to eye diseases.
2. Get Regular Check-Ups
Children experience frequent vision changes until their late teenage years. Unfortunately, untreated sight issues can hold a child back in school or cause them to act out.
Routine eye exams can help you catch poor vision or eye conditions early and increase the chances of preserving your child’s eyesight.
If your child already wears glasses or contacts, eye exams are just as important. Their prescription will likely continue to change as they develop, creating a need for new lenses.
Click here to learn more about the importance of pediatric eye exams.
3. Look Out for Warning Signs
Even with regular check-ups, your child may begin to develop vision problems. Look out for the following symptoms, which may indicate your child is struggling to see clearly.
- Squinting
- Head tilting
- Sitting close to screens or holding objects very near to the eyes
- Disinterest in things that are far away
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Rubbing the eyes
- Light sensitivity
Some of these symptoms can indicate other health issues, such as allergies. Taking them to the eye doctor early on can help you determine whether the problem is visual and, if so, get prompt treatment.
4. Protect Eyes from the Sun and Injuries
If your child plays sports or participates in activities that could lead to head or eye injuries, ensure they have protective equipment, such as safety glasses or a helmet.
Sun protection is also crucial for healthy eyes. Teach your child the dangers of staring at the sun or light rays that reflect off the water. When they play outside, make sure they wear UV-blocking glasses for children.
5. Limit Screen Time
Most children spend several hours using digital devices, whether for educational purposes or entertainment. Staring at the screen without rest can strain your child’s eyes, dry them out, and cause headaches.
If possible, try to limit your child’s time using devices or encourage them to take breaks in between tasks. For example, if your child uses their iPad to do homework, prompt them to play outside or exercise before playing video games.
Encourage Your Child to Follow These Eye Care Tips
Teaching your child these eye care tips encourages them to develop healthy habits. These will stick with them even as they get older, protecting their vision and promoting their overall wellbeing.
Eye health is just one aspect of giving your little one a good start! Check out more health and wellness tips for children on our blog!
