Eyes. We are constantly using them, and so are our children. The eyes begin to work from the moment your little ones wake up in the morning, to the moment they close their eyes at night. Children’s vision is vital to their growth and it’s one of the key ways they experience the world. Recently, we covered the topic of regular eye exams and vision screening tests to ensure children are seeing as clearly as possible.
Outside of testing your children’s vision, there are a few things you should keep in mind when caring for the sight of your children.
The Sun.
As much as the sun is an amazing addition to our lives, it’s important to remember its power. In fact, the sun has the potential to harm children’s eye development. In order to prevent eye damage or deterioration, encourage your children to wear sunglasses while playing outside to protect against harmful UV rays. Sunglasses that absorb 99% of UVA and UVB rays can help minimize any potential exposure. Without sunglasses, your children may suffer from diminished vision as they grow.
Luckily, it’s easy to find ‘cool’ shades our kids will love! We love the pairs Alpha Mom recommends in her blog, for maximum protection.
Diet.
A healthy, well-balanced diet can also play a role in eye health. Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly important to consider when caring for your kid’s eyes.
- Vitamin C helps prevent damage to the eyes and is commonly found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and brussel sprouts.
- Vitamin A is important for keeping the eye moisturized and important for night vision. It’s commonly found in daily, fish and meats.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids help with visual development and are commonly found in fish, walnuts, and spinach.
Sleep.
Getting enough sleep is vital for growing minds, but it’s also vital for developing vision. Just like everything else, our children’s eyes need rest. Eyes work hard all day and allowing them to repair and recover is essential. For more information on sleep and making sure your children are getting enough, check out our recent article.
If you suspect that your child is beginning to show signs of a vision problem, schedule your appointment today and talk with your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician about your concerns.