In children, at birth vision development begins and at the age of 3 to 5 years, it completes to reach the adult level i.e., 20/20 eyesight. As children are growing, they require more visual abilities to perform a reading, write or engage in sports etc. This fast growth period is crucial for every child. so Let us understand how parents can prevent vision problems in kids.
How to prevent vision problems in your kids?
1. Balanced Diet: To improve kids’ eyesight, diet plays a key role. Food rich in nutrients like zinc, vitamins A, C and E, Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce eye problems in children.
Fruits such as oranges, guava, and strawberry are rich in vitamin C and E, which fights infection and restores healthy tissue. Green and leafy vegetables, eggs, and foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids such as fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, and nuts help to maintain eye health.
2. Lifestyle:
· Playing outdoors: Outdoor games provide exercises to the eyes and reduce strain on the eyes. Study shows children who remain indoors, develop vision problems such as near-sightedness or myopia.
· Limit screen time: Digital devices tend to increase strain on the eyes, and excessive use can cause dry eye symptoms in children. Engage children in hobbies, building games, or outdoor activities.
· Study: A proper light in the study area ensures less strain on the eyes.
Take frequent breaks while studying. While using the screen, follow the 20 -20-20 rule. It indicates after working for 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds and add 20 feet distant object.
While studying maintain a proper sitting position and children should hold the book at least fourteen inches away from their faces.
· Sound sleep: Adequate sleep can heal our body including the eyes. Children should take 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Before going to bed kids should be away from all digital devices at least for 2 hours.
3. School eye check-up: Vision keeps developing through the school years. Therefore, every school-going child should undergo an advanced eye screening from expert doctors. Through this screening, doctors will detect problems related to eyesight, eye focus or eye coordination. If a problem arises, the experts will guide school children for a comprehensive eye examination.
4. Child eye problems symptoms: Children are not able to identify vision problems on their own, parents should observe the changes through their behaviours.
· Short attention span
· Rubbing eyes frequently
· Blinking often
· Recurring headache
· Child complaining of blurry vision
· Head tilted on one side
· Covering one eye to see
· Holding books or toys too close to face
· Double vision
· Learning difficulties
· Eye fatigue or discomfort
· Eye turning in and out
Undiagnosed vision problems give rise to hyperactivity and poor attention in school activities, which is similar to that behaviour in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. To rule out the condition an advanced vision exam is recommended.
5. Eye examination schedule: Parents should ideally take their kids for an eye examination at the age of 6 months, 3 to 5 years, and before a child begin first grade. Despite this, parents should visit an ophthalmologist if they notice eye problems in children.
These are some effective ways to prevent vision problems in your kids. Eye problems in children are increasing due to the use of digital screens. Parents can instil healthy habits in children, as well as schools can promote awareness and facilitate eye check-ups periodically.
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Meta description: Here are some tips to prevent vision problems in your kids such as a balanced diet, playing outdoors, limiting screentime, advanced eye screening etc