When a child first opens their eyes, they aren’t met with much more than blurry shapes and shadows, but as they grow their vision quickly develops into full, bright pictures. You can help your child develop a healthy vision with a healthy diet, consistent sleep pattern, and regular eye exams.
Eat, Sleep, Repeat.
Not only is a healthy routine of diet and sleep important to your overall health, but it is essential to your child’s developing eyes. By ensuring we are giving our little ones a healthy, vitamin-rich diet, and encouraging a consistent sleep schedule, your child’s vision has the ability to heal and grow.
Time for Bed
The World Sleep Society recommends that you have your child going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, preferably tucked in before 9:00 PM. When we sleep, our bodies have a chance to rejuvenate and repair any damage from the day before.
Time for Dinner
We suggest encouraging a diet rich in vitamins and proteins such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to a developing body. While proteins help to strengthen eye tissue, vitamins work to repair and prevent damage in the eyes.
Let the Sunshine In
Getting your children outside to play not only keeps them entertained and active but also provides numerous benefits to your child’s developing vision. Exposing your child’s eyes to indirect sunlight has been shown to potentially reduce the risk for the development of eye refraction, such as nearsightedness, or blurry distance vision. Although outdoor time and the sunlight are beneficial, they can still reap the benefits of this light while protecting themselves with sunglasses.
Eye refraction tests are a great way to ensure your child’s vision is developing correctly and can help to prevent potential damage in the future. Consult your optometrist for more suggestions on protecting your child’s eyes from harmful UV rays.
Put Down the Screens
Especially right now, our eyes have become increasingly exposed to screens, posing an increased risk to your child’s developing vision. The strain caused by viewing blue light content for extended amounts of time can cause issues such as blurred vision, eyestrain, dry and itchy eyes, headaches, and trouble sleeping. The largest concern with blue light in research is sleep
disruption, but what we don’t know is the long-term risks of exposure. Thus, reducing our time and having moderate amounts of exposure is best. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under five years of age be limited to one hour of screen time per day, none of which should be used close to bedtime.
Schedule a Checkup
At Complete Eye Care of Medina in Minnesota, our team of optometrists understands the importance of your child’s vision, and we are here to help track and promote their development every step of the way. The dedicated professionals will take time to listen to your concerns and understand your needs, so the whole family can keep looking forward. Call us today at 763-478-3505 or visit us online at completeeyecareofmedina.com to schedule your child’s next eye exam.