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, including vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc. Make sure your child also stays well hydrated, as proper hydration plays a key role in maintaining healthy eyes.

2. Wear Eye Protection

Make sure your child wears the right protective eyewear, like safety goggles, anytime they participate in sports or activities that could cause an eye injury. Wearing a helmet for sports like cycling protects against concussions, which can result in lingering vision problems. 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 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 screen activities with things like going to the park or playing outdoors with friends.

4. Reduce Time Spent on Digital Devices

Try to reduce the amount of time your child spends on screens by encouraging other activities such as sports. When using digital devices for long periods, teach them the habit of taking frequent breaks and looking into the distance every few minutes.

5. Get Their Eyes Checked Regularly

School-aged children's vision can change often until the late teenage years. Left uncorrected, poor eyesight can interfere with learning and cause behavioral and attention issues. Getting a routine eye exam can uncover vision problems and detect eye conditions early on.

Ensure your child's eyes are being cared for properly by scheduling an eye exam with Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio today. Call us at (937) 228-2020.