As exciting as it sounds, being a parent is not always thrilling. It requires one to be proactive. It doesn't imply that one considers the worst-case scenario. As the saying goes, precaution is better than cure. Hence, we must take necessary precautions to ensure our child's safety.
In today's world of multimedia and gadgets, it has become nearly impossible to keep our kids away from them. The world as a whole is on the web. To keep pace with the advancing technology, beneficial use of the media has to be encouraged. Alas, the eyes! These tiny yet vital organs are what worries us, parents, the most. How can we keep them safe? Without banning the gadgets, how to protect our innocent kids?
The answer to these questions lies in some simple steps. Yes. That's it. All you need to do is follow the given tips for healthier and vigilant eyes.
A balanced diet
You are what you eat. This is the basic principle of life. For a healthier lifestyle, diet is the first thing to address.
● Nutrients that boost your eye health include vitamins A, C, and E. Along with these, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and lutein are also beneficial for your eye.
● Furthermore, vitamin C found in fruits assists in restoring tissues and fighting infections. Examples are orange, mango, and strawberry.
● Leafy green vegetables help you with night blindness and combat dry eyes. These include spinach and kale.
● Nutrient-rich eggs and nuts assist in the overall well-being of your child.
● Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. These reduce the risk of dry eye and prevent future cataracts along with AMD.
Surprisingly, obesity and hypertension are linked with eye diseases. A balanced and healthy diet would keep your child away from these monsters.
Regular visits to the optician
Attending regular visits to the optician to get your child's eyes checked is the best precaution that you could take. That is if you suspect that your child might have a vision problem. Check with your pediatrician and book an appointment with an ophthalmologist to get a screening of your little one's eyes. Your eye doctor will assist you in coming up with the ideal way to resolve any vision-related issues.
Looking out for red alerts, i.e., the warning signs is a smart move. If your child experiences any of the following, it implies a vision impairment that must be addressed at once.
● Your child squints frequently
● Rubs their eyes often
● Shows no or little interest in objects that are far away
● Tilts their head to focus on something
● Is sensitive to light
● Has poor hand-eye coordination
If you see any of these signs, these indicate that your child has a problem with vision.
Once you have diagnosed it, you must treat it.
How to protect your child's eyes?
The underlying question is, how can I protect my child's eyes? All you have to do is be vigilant and encourage them to remain healthy by following the mentioned points.
● Encourage habits that are healthy for the eyes
It is necessary to provide sufficient lighting when your kid is either playing, reading, or writing. Make sure that your child is at least 30 to 40 cm away from the book while he reads. If he is using an electronic gadget, then a 50 cm distance is a must. Better yet, have a parental lock so you can control your child's screen time. Moreover, eight hours of sleep is crucial in maintaining your child’s eye health. If you care for your kid's eye now, it will prevent any severe conditions in the future.
If your child is suffering from some vision problems, make sure you use corrective eyewear. Ask your child’s ophthalmologist about the best lenses for glasses according to your child’s vision needs. You can get the best ones at the most reasonable prices from brands like Overnight Glasses, LensCrafters, Sawyer, etc.
● Outdoor time should be increased
Nature is the best healer. Spending some time running on the fresh grass, inhaling the cool air, and sitting under the shade of a tree could do wonders for your health. Likewise, they make your child physically fit. Studies have shown that outdoor activities lower the risk of myopia. It also increases hand-eye coordination. So, what are you waiting for? Enroll your child in a swimming class, a cycling lesson, or a football team. Whatever suits you both.
● Keep your child’s eyes protected from the sun
Save your kid from the ultraviolet rays of the sun by getting them sunglasses. You could get funkier ones to make them happy. If your kid is relatively young and you are scared of the constant poking in the eye with the sunglasses, you could always use a hat. And if this isn't convenient as well, then an umbrella is also an option.
Conclusion
Remember that your child's eye care is in your hands. If you pay attention and are cautious, you might prevent something serious from occurring in the future. It is highly recommended to pay regular visits to your child’s eye doctor, use protective eyewear, and provide a healthy lifestyle to your child to maintain good eye health.
