Kids Eye Care: 8 Simple Tips for a Healthy Vision

Teaching kids about eye care and safety as they grow up is like safeguarding their window to the world. It is estimated that 80% of all learning during a child’s first 12 years comes through the eyes. But 25% of kids suffer from vision deficiencies. In fact, many youngsters are told that they have a learning disability when in reality, they have an undetected vision problem.

However, inculcating healthy eye care practices in kids at a young age can help ensure good vision and eye safety for a lifetime.

Here are 8 eye health tips for kids that are useful and simple to follow –

1. Reduce Screen Time

Although it is difficult to imagine life without digital devices like smartphones and computers today; it is important to know that staring at a screen for a long time can result in dry and strained eyes, headaches, and blurry vision.

So, teach your child to take regular breaks from screen time. One can follow the rule of 20-20-20 – take a break every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, by looking at something 20 feet away.

2. Protect Eyes from Sun Damage

100% UV-blocking sunglasses, umbrellas, and hats can be nifty in protecting your child’s eyes against sun damage as both UVA and UVB rays can get through the cornea and lead to macular degeneration, cataract, photokeratitis, etc.

3. Increase Outdoor Time

One of the best eye care tips is to allow kids to spend more time outdoors. Not only will it reduce their screen time, but also keep them physically active and promote better hand-eye coordination, thus delaying the development of myopia.

4. Follow a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet must be consumed for kids’ eye care and overall health. Food rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein is especially nutritious for healthy vision.

So, include more berries, carrots, leafy green vegetables, tuna, salmon, and citrus fruits in their meals.

5. Be Cautious of Rubbing Eyes

Your child might get the urge to rub their eyes if they are dry or an irritating object has gone inside. But rubbing might make it worse. So, ask them to wash their eyes with cold water and help them remove the object out of their eye gently.

6. Be Aware of Faulty Vision

If you notice your child rubbing their eyes frequently, squinting, tilting their head, or feeling highly sensitive to light; you might want to consider scheduling an eye exam to rule out the possibility of any vision fault.

Almost 7% of children younger than 18 years old in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. So, if your child also gets diagnosed with one, know that they’re not alone. But be sure to start appropriate treatment in time.

7. Go for Regular Eye Check-Up

Good vision plays a key factor in a child’s physical development, successful career, and overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule regular eye exams with a good eye doctor who can suggest appropriate corrective vision treatments if required.

8. Maintain Healthy Eye Care Habits & Routine

Using colorful toys, playing catch and other ball games can promote visual engagement and development in kids as they grow up.

Also, teaching them proper eye hygiene and contact lens hygiene habits (in case they use them) is important.

Ensure there is adequate lighting when your child reads or plays. Teach them to keep their eyes at least 50cm away from electronic devices with screens. Also, train them to get enough sleep to give optimum rest to their eyes.

By instilling basic eye care and safety habits in early childhood, you can teach your kids the importance of healthy eyes and vision. So, always encourage your kids to follow these tips and be sure to practice them yourself to be a good role model for them.

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Author Bio: Aaron Barriga is the essay generator for Studyclerk and online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.

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