If you teach your children how to take care of their eyes today, they will be far less likely to suffer from vision problems when they are older, including glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. The following are some of the most important basic eye care tips for kids from Everyday Health.
Eat Your Vegetables
Although kids may turn their noses up at fruits and vegetables, a good diet can promote healthy eyes, especially one rich in foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin, such as carrots, squash, oranges, and other yellow or orange produce.
Turn On the Light
Children with good eyesight can often see well in low levels of light; however, this can lead to temporary eyestrain, with symptoms of headaches and fatigue. Make sure your kids always have plenty of light when doing homework or reading.
Take Breaks
Another way to avoid eyestrain is to take frequent breaks from using an electronic device and watching TV.
Eye Exams
Kids need to take eye exams even when they are not suffering from any vision problems. This will enable your eye doctor to detect and treat any condition in its early stages, before it turns into a serious problem. In addition to regularly scheduled exams, you should see your optometrist as soon as possible if your child complains of blurred or double vision, pain, discomfort in bright light, or any other symptoms, however minor.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunlight is just as damaging to the eyes as to the skin. Your kids are probably aware of the need to use sunscreen whenever they head outdoors; get them into the habit of also putting on a pair of shades that shield their eyes from UV rays.
Use a Hat
For added protection outdoors, combine sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat. This is particularly useful when playing sports or otherwise spending an long time in direct sunlight.
Wearing sunglasses is one of the most important tips to teach your kids. If you are looking for a new pair of quality shades, you can find a range of styles in the Real Kids’ collection.
It’s great to learn that you should get regularly scheduled exams as a child. My wife and I are having our first son soon and we were wondering how we can keep him healthy in his early stages of life. I’ll be sure to tell her that we should get him regular eye exams when he’s a child.