5 Basic Everyday Eye Care Routine for Children

Everyone knows how to take care of his or her body and maintain healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and regular exercise. The same goes for children. Taking care of eyes at this age is quite important, as eyes are still developing. If you want your child’s eyes to remain strong and healthy, then you have to take care of them at a daily basis. Read on to find out some simple steps for your child’s eye care.

Tips For Your Child’s Eye Care

So, here are some tips for your daily eye health routine-

1. Regular Eye Exams:

   Regular eye checkup for your child is quite crucial
   • As most of the times children are unable to convey their problems at a younger age, it is mandatory you get the eyes examined once a year
   • For children, eye exams should be performed starting at six months old, then again once a year till five years of age
   • After that point, children with healthy eyes should have eye exams every two years. Even if you don’t see any problem, have your child’s eyes checked once before 3 years of age (‘SEE BY THREE’)
   • If a problem is found, it can be treated immediately

2. Eye healthy food:

   There are a lot of foods that contain nutrients that are very beneficial to your eye health, so you should begin incorporating more of these foods into your and your child’s everyday diet
   • Carrots contain beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are great nutrients for your vision. They are also good for children, as their eye muscles are still developing. By adding this eye-healthy food into your daily diet, you can help prevent vision problems over time
   • There are many other foods, such as spinach, kale, avocados, red meats, poultry, and many others that help your vision. Eat well-balanced meals with lots of fruits and vegetables to keep your eyes healthy

3. Sun Protection:

   Encourage your children to wear sunglasses when you are outside even if it is cloudy outside to protect their eyes from UV Rays. This would not only give them UV protection but also protect them from developing eye allergy due to increasing environmental pollution

4. Less Electronic/ Gadget usage:

   Encourage your children to do more outdoor activities than playing inside on mobile phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets
   • Spending so much time using these electronics can cause significant eyestrain, blurred vision, and dry eye, and also an increase in headaches as a result of the strain being put on their eyes
   • Increased outdoor activities would reduce the chances of children developing myopia (Near-sightedness)
   • Television should be watched at a proper viewing distance of 3 to 3.5 meters in a well- lighted room
   • Long hours of computer or TV viewing should be avoided (Not more than 2-3 hours a day with 5- 10 minutes break every 45 min)

5. Eye Hygiene:

   Children should not touch their eyes with dirty hands. Emphasize on washing face and hands once they come from outside after playing
   • Myths of application of kajal and washing eyes with rosewater should be discouraged
   • Sharp and pointed edge toys for infants and toddlers should be avoided as they can accidentally cause eye injury

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