5 Important Eye Care Tips For Kids

Your child's ability to see the world relies on healthy eyes. By teaching them how to care for their eyes, you help protect them from injury and ensure their eyes and vision remain healthy in the long run.

Good Eye Care Habits for Children

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Drink Plenty of Water

A nutritious diet and healthy eyes go hand in hand. Encourage your child to eat healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, and prioritize foods rich in vitamin A found in green leafy and yellow vegetables. Eggs are also rich in important nutrients, containing vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, all vital for eye health. Proper hydration also plays a key role in maintaining healthy eyes.

2. Wear Eye Protection

Physical activity is enjoyable and healthy, but make sure your child is wearing the right protective eyewear, like safety goggles, anytime they participate in sports or activities that could cause an eye injury. Furthermore, provide your child with good UV-blocking sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun's UV radiation.

3. Give The Eyes a Rest

Staring at the school board and school books all day, followed by playing video games or watching TV in the evening can cause eye strain. Be sure your child gets sufficient sleep to allow their eyes to rest. Replace evening activities with those that don't require intense eye focusing: going to the park, playing outdoors with friends, or simply lying down.

4. Reduce Time Spent on Digital Devices

Spending time on digital devices requires the eyes to fixate for extended periods of time, which can lead to digital eye strain, headaches and even dry eyes. Try to reduce the amount of time your child spends on the screen. When using digital devices or screens for long periods of time, get them into the habit of taking frequent breaks.

5. Get Their Eyes Checked Regularly

School-aged children's vision can change often, and unexpectedly, until the late teenage years. Left uncorrected, poor eyesight can interfere with learning, and cause behavioral and attention issues.

Ensure your child's eyes are being cared for properly by scheduling an eye exam with Grove City Vision Center in Grove City today. Your child's eye doctor can further educate them on eye safety and answer any questions you or your child may have.