How to Improve a Child’s Eyesight?

The number of children wearing glasses has increased significantly over the last few years. While technology improves our lives, it has negatively impacted our health and other aspects of life in several ways. For instance, most children are no longer thrilled about playing outdoors.

The easy availability of digital devices like phones, TVs, and computer keep them trapped indoors all day long. Unfortunately, too much time on these devices can affect several aspects of their life, including their social skills, speech, and eyesight. Prolonged screen time is associated with eye-related problems like myopia.

In this article, let’s learn how to protect your child’s eyes and improve their vision.

• Regular exercises

Regular exercises are imperative for your child’s eyes and overall wellness. Lack of exercise is a key factor for the increase in obesity and other health problems among children. Having your child play outdoors for a few minutes promotes blood and oxygen flow in the body and enhances eye health. Besides regular workouts, specific eye exercises can improve their vision. Consult an eye expert about the right eye exercises for your child.

• Limit time spent on electronic devices

Most children are currently addicted to electronic devices like TVs and smartphones. Even when watching educational programs, prolonged exposure to these devices increases their risk of eye problems like computer vision syndrome, double vision, dry eyes, and headaches. Set a time limit for the child and ensure they follow it strictly. Prevent them from watching TV just before bed. When using these devices, ensure the kid takes regular breaks.

• Prevents eye injuries

Accidents are common among children, some avoidable and others not. To protect their eyes and overall body, lock away tools and items that can hurt them. If your kid plays sports like soccer, rugby, or swimming, ensure you get them proper protective gear like a helmet or goggles. Sunglasses can help protect their eyes from the damaging ultraviolet rays during outdoor activities.

• Prevent eye infections

Minor irritation or dust in the eyes can trigger your child to rub their eyes. However, this may spread more bacteria and dirt from the hands to the eyes, worsening their discomfort and leading to infections. When your child is mowing or carpentry, ensure they wear safety goggles.

• Right Eyewear usage

Does your child wear glasses or contact lenses? Ensure you teach them how to use them correctly without damaging or hurting their eyes. Also, teach them how to clean them properly. Proper eyewear usage and care can help prevent injuries and eye infections.

• A balanced diet

Certain foods that are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, B12, and E, zinc, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids can improve your child’s eye health and vision. Leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes are great for eye vision. Healthy nuts like cashews, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts also help reduce the risk of myopia in kids. Eggs and whole grains are also healthy options to incorporate into their diet.

• Rest your eyes

Like the rest of your body, the eyes need proper care and rest. Have your child sleep at least for 8 hours daily. When watching TV or reading, have them take brief breaks now and then to prevent eye strain. Continually watching cartoons or reading for extended .periods of time can strain their eyes.

• Regular checkups

Regular eye check-ups are important to ensure your kid’s eyes are healthy. Our children’s eye doctor will check their eyes to identify problems before they advance to serious stages. Since children are nowadays exposed to too much screen time, regular checkups are essential to help monitor their eye health and vision.

• Play some games

Your child’s eyesight can benefit from various activities, including hand-eye coordination games. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following activities:

• 0-5 months: Patty-cake and peekaboo
• 6-8 months: Reading and playing hide-and-seek with toys
• 9-12 months. Reading and rolling a ball
• One year. Throwing a ball to a child and reading
• Two years. Reading and outdoor games of catching each other.
• 3 – 6 years. Running, climbing, and using playground equipment.
• Seven years and above. Cycling, swimming, and other active sports

Are you looking for an eye doctor in Vaughan?

For more information about your child’s eyesight and check-ups, visit our eye clinic to speak with Dr. Allyson Tang, Optometrist – Vaughan.