Your children's bodies change as they grow, and so do their eyes and eyesight. One of the best things you can do to protect your children's sight and eye health is to see an eye doctor regularly, starting at least by your child's first birthday.
However, there are many other ways you can help keep your child's eyes healthy and their vision clear. August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and the pediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists at ABC Children's Eye Specialists, PC, share important tips for helping your child have healthy eyes.
Be sure to hang colorful mobiles or offer toys of different shapes and sizes for babies. These fun toys help promote visual engagement and development.
Additionally, games such as patty cake and peek-a-boo do more than make them giggle. They can help stimulate hand-eye coordination. Similarly, playing catch and other ball games can help school-aged children with the same skills.
Proper eyewear means making sure your child wears sunglasses with UV protection when they’re out in the sun. It also means using safety eyewear made with polycarbonate lenses, a shatterproof plastic, when your child is playing sports.
Excessive screen time is unhealthy for children in many ways. One of those ways is an adverse effect on their vision and eye health.
Staring at a digital device for too long and from too close can result in blurry vision, headaches, eyestrain, and dry eyes. Limit your child's time in front of a screen, especially at night, and teach them the importance of giving their eyes a break.
A healthy diet can protect your child against many health issues, including eye health issues. Foods high in nutrients like zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids are especially impactful on your child's eyes.
You can find these nutrients in leafy green vegetables, salmon, tuna, citrus fruits, berries, and beans.
In addition to getting regular eye exams, you should note if your child is exhibiting vision issues. Almost 7% of children younger than 18 years old in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition.
For example, if you notice your child squinting, tilting their head, rubbing their eyes, or becoming highly sensitive to light, be sure to schedule an eye exam to discuss these issues with your eye doctor.
Do you have more questions about your child's eye health? Are you ready to schedule an annual eye exam?
Call ABC Children's Eye Specialists, PC, with offices in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, to schedule an appointment with one of our expert pediatric ophthalmologists or optometrists. You can also request one online through this website.
