ARE MY CHILDREN'S EYES SAFE? WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Tips

• A balanced diet: Nutrients that boost eye health include vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and lutein. Vitamin C found in fruits like orange, mango, and strawberry assists in restoring tissues and fighting infections. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale help with night blindness and combat dry eyes. Nutrient-rich eggs and nuts assist in overall well-being. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of dry eye and prevent future cataracts along with AMD.
• Regular visits to the optician: Attend regular visits to get your child's eyes checked. Look for warning signs such as frequent squinting, rubbing eyes, little interest in distant objects, tilting head to focus, sensitivity to light, and poor hand-eye coordination.
• Encourage healthy habits: Provide sufficient lighting when your child is playing, reading, or writing. Ensure at least 30-40 cm distance from a book and 50 cm from an electronic gadget. Use parental locks to control screen time. Ensure eight hours of sleep.
• Use corrective eyewear if needed: Ask your child's ophthalmologist about the best lenses for glasses according to your child's vision needs.
• Increase outdoor time: Outdoor activities lower the risk of myopia and increase hand-eye coordination. Enroll your child in swimming, cycling, or football.
• Protect your child's eyes from the sun: Use sunglasses, a hat, or an umbrella to shield from ultraviolet rays.