Needless to say, taking care of your eyes is often something we overlook until we start having issues. It’s especially more apparent when it comes to children, though. Kids usually take something as normal, even when, in reality, it’s not. But overall, maintaining good eye health doesn’t have to be a chore- especially for kids.
While yes there are some things that are good for kids’ health that may feel like a chore (such as brushing their teeth or bathing), there are some ways to make this feel more natural for kids. In fact, there are many small, simple things they can start doing today that can have a big impact on their vision in the long run. So, with that said, here are some small habits your kids can do today for better eyes!
Your Kids Need Less Screen Time
As a parent, this one might be more challenging to achieve because kids love their phones, tablets, and video games. But you need to find a way to get them to use their devices less. While the 20-20-20 rule usually works for adults, kids don’t have that same self-discipline that children have (but feel free to try it for your kids).
Instead, you could join in on activities with them on a daily basis—something that doesn’t involve any screens—and that could really help. It could be exercising, doing crafts, or even going for a walk on a daily basis.
Keep The Eyes Hydrated
Dry eyes are a common problem, especially if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms or in front of a computer. Most schools tend to run AC in the summer, and of course, houses have them too. So, you can expect your kids to have fairly dry eyes. So, it’s pretty easy to keep your kid hydrated. Seriosuly, it’s all about getting them to drink plenty of water. But when it comes to home, such as their bedroom, it could be to buy a humidifier.
Make Time For Eye Exercises
If you know anything about optometry, then you need to know that exercises are good for your eyes. While physical exercise is important, doing exercises strictly for the eyes can actually be pretty great, too! Since it’s so small and quick, it might not even have to be a chore for your kid, so this could be pretty easy for your kid to do. Plus, depending on the age of your child, you might be able to make a game out of eye exercises, too.
Help Your Kid Eat Their Way Into Better Vision
As you already know, what your kid eats is going to impact their overall health and development. But did you know that this can actually impact their eye health, too? For the most part, you’re in charge of what your child consumes, and who knows, maybe they’ve already been eating these! Ideally, it’s just about incorporating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, but also omega-3 fatty acids. Some examples would be carrots (yes, this is not a myth), sweet potatoes, spinach, and salmon.