The Importance of Eye Health in Children: How to Keep Your Kids' Eyes Healthy and Happy

Good eyesight and eye health are crucial to child development. Vision accounts for as much as 80 percent of their learning then. As such, it is vital to keep their eyes healthy and happy. As your child grows, their eyes change quickly. Keep abreast with the changes. It will help you catch any problems before they become critical. Here are some tips to help you do this.

A Balanced Diet

The eyes need nutrients to help them fight free radicals that could damage them. These nutrients include lutein, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, A, and E. Fruits like oranges, mangoes, and strawberries provide vitamins C and E. These are vital for preventing infections and restoring tissues. 

Leafy greens like kale and spinach provide vitamin A. The nutrient is vital in preventing night blindness and fighting dry eye. Another nutrient that is good for fighting dry eye is omega-3 fatty acids. These are present in fatty fish like salmon. They help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. A healthy diet will also reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity, which can lead to eye diseases.

Use Protective Eyewear

Protective eyewear is vital when children are outside playing in the sun, using their computers, or engaging in projects. Research shows that 90 percent of their eye injuries are preventable. They need to have eyewear with protective, shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses. Also, check any hazardous materials or equipment where they are playing or experimenting. 

When they are out in the sun, they risk exposure to UVA and UVB rays which can harm their eyes. These rays can lead to the early onset of age-related eye diseases. However, they can use protective sunglasses to help mitigate this. Get them sunglasses with at least 99 percent protection.

Limit the Use of Digital Screens

Protecting children from the light that computers and other digital screens emit will go beyond getting them protective eyewear. You need to limit their use of these gadgets. Blue light from digital devices can lead to dry eyes and blurry vision. It can also cause focusing problems. 
 

You can get them to follow the 20-20-20 rule when using these devices. Also, ensure they keep their screens 18 to 24 inches away from their eyes when running the devices.

Boost Their Visual Skills

When they are toddlers or as young as newborns, engage them with high-contrast patterns or colors. Do this using décor or toys within their view. Give them time to engage with their environments or to approach their toys. 

Allow your child to get comfortable with a wide field of vision. You can engage them in games like peek-a-boo. It stimulates their hand-eye coordination. As they grow into toddlers and school-age, you can play catch.

Regular Eye Exams

These are as crucial for your child as they are for you. They should get their first eye exam when they are six months old. The first and subsequent visits will help their eye doctor catch any issues and mitigate complications. They will also start early treatment in case of disease.

For more information on how to keep your children's eyes healthy, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our office in Perry, Georgia. Call (478) 412-4200 to book an appointment today.