As parents, caretakers or guardians, there are lots of things you can do for the complete well-being of your child. Apart from providing them with shelter, guidance and care, it’s also important to pay attention to their visual health. In line with Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, here are some tips to ensure that your kid’s eye exam goes well.
1. Proper Diet
Load up on foods rich in lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E. These nutrients are essential for well-developed eyesight, especially for children whose ocular faculties are just starting to mature. A healthy diet also prevents obesity, which can result in various eye-related complications.
2. Be Proactive
Amblyopia and strabismus are two disorders that can develop early on, during childhood or even as early as infancy. Look out for any abnormality in terms of eye alignment and appearance, and check if there’s clouding in the pupil. Regular visits to a trusted eye doctor ensure that your kid’s eyesight is progressing as it should be. If there are anomalies detected, at least it can be diagnosed and remedied right away.
3. Go on Adventures
There are numerous merits to going outside and letting your kids explore the external world. Activities outside the home foster hand-eye coordination and further stimulate your kids’ visual senses. Children who engage in outdoor activities also have less risk of developing myopia or short-sightedness. Just be extra careful around sharp objects that might get anywhere near your kids’ eyes.
4. Regulate Screen Time
While using mobile devices and watching television are helpful as educational tools, excessive exposure to screens can be detrimental to a kid’s eyesight. Some unpleasant side effects include eye strain, headaches and blurry vision, among other things. Limit your kids’ gadget usage especially at night. As much as possible, take advantage of anti-glare screens and special eyeglasses capable of blocking blue light. These accessories are readily available on the market.
At Guilford Eye Center, we place utmost importance on the visual health of everyone, no matter the age. You may contact us at (336) 387-6777. We cater to Greensboro, NC, and nearby areas.
