Ensuring the long-term health of our children’s eyes is essential to their overall wellbeing. Although genetics certainly play a part, many aspects of eye health are influenced by habits and lifestyle choices. By instilling positive behaviors from an early age, parents can actively protect their children’s vision.
Here, experts from Oakley, a sports and lifestyle eyewear brand, share the five key habits to help maintain healthy eyesight in kids.
Get Outdoors
Encouraging outdoor playtime is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to promote healthy vision in children. Natural light exposure helps regulate the development of the eyes and reduces the risk of nearsightedness. Engaging in outdoor activities not only fosters visual development but also serves as a preventative measure against myopia. Encourage children to spend a minimum of two hours outdoors daily, participating in activities like running, biking, and sports that support distance vision.
Balance Screen Time
In today’s digital age, children spend more time than ever in front of screens, which can strain their eyes and contribute to vision problems. It’s essential to establish healthy screen time habits early on. Limit recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day for older children and encourage frequent breaks to rest their eyes. The experts advise parents to encourage kids to use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Provide A Nutrient-Rich Diet
A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is vital for maintaining optimal eye health. Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E can help protect against age-related vision problems and promote overall eye health. Incorporate plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet, such as carrots, spinach, berries, and oranges.
Ensure Proper Eye Protection
Whether playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities, children should always wear appropriate eye protection to prevent injuries. Ensure they wear helmets when biking or skating and protective goggles when participating in sports like basketball or swimming. Additionally, sunglasses with UV protection are essential for shielding their eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Invest in quality sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays to reduce the risk of long-term eye damage.
Schedule Regular Eye Check-Ups
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting and addressing vision problems early on. Schedule comprehensive eye exams for your child starting at around six months of age, then again at age three and before starting school. Afterward, annual eye exams are recommended to monitor their vision and eye health. Early detection is key to treating many eye issues, such as lazy eye.
With children spending an increasing amount of time on screens, it’s vital to prioritize healthy habits to safeguard their eyesight and overall eye health.
