We all care about our kid’s health, but eye health often gets neglected. Poor eye health when we’re young, however, can damage sight in the long run. By taking care of your kid’s eyes, and encouraging them to do the same, you can ensure they have healthy eyes and you will also set them up to make healthier choices for life.
- Increase time outdoors
Too little time outdoors is bad for your kid’s physical health, mental health, and can make myopia symptoms worse. Encourage your kids to play outside by giving them outdoor toys, taking them on walks or to the park, and doing family activities outdoors like sports and games.
- Take breaks from screens and reading
Regular breaks from screens, reading, and writing will give your kid’s eyes a break, lessen eye strain, and even slow the effects of myopia. This can be as simple as having a ten-minute conversation with them every 40 minutes or so to take their eyes off their books or screens or encouraging kids to help out around the house such as helping you cook and clean.
- Hydrate and eat well
Diet and water intake have an impact on eye health. Fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and eggs all contribute to healthy eyes, as does staying well-hydrated. Of course, a healthy diet and plenty of water have lots of other health benefits too. Teach your kids about healthy eating, let them help out with cooking, and make diet and hydration a priority in your home. A water bottle with times of the day on it is a fun way to encourage your kids to drink lots of water and you can reward them if they hit their daily goals. Thus keeping your kids healthy.
- Protect them against sun damage
UV rays from the sun can damage our eyes, so if your kids are spending time outdoors, encourage them to wear sunglasses – especially if it is bright out. Younger children who won’t wear sunglasses can also wear a hat or use an umbrella if they are out in the sun for long periods of time.
- Teach them about eye health
It’s all well and good to ensure your kids have healthy eyes, but explaining to them why eye health is important and what they can do to take care of their eyes will encourage them to make healthier choices both in childhood and adulthood.
- Encourage good eye hygiene
Remind your kids not to touch or rub their eyes too much, to wash their hands regularly, and to keep their face and eyes clean is an important way to prevent eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Kids will inevitably get dirty and pick up germs, but reminding them how easy it is to get bacteria in your eyes will teach them not to touch their eyes without washing their hands first.
- Schedule regular checkups with your eye doctor
If your child develops eyesight problems, the best thing you can do is catch it early so that they can get the glasses they need. Regular checkups with your kid’s eye doctor will help you keep an eye on their vision and ensure they get glasses if and when they need them.
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