Categories: General Optometry

Promoting Healthy Vision: Vital Eye Care Routines for Kids

As a parent, your child’s eye health is likely a priority. Just like teaching them to brush their teeth or eat their greens, instilling good eye habits at a young age is crucial for their overall well-being. From regulating screen time to eating nutritious meals that boost eye health, instilling healthy eye habits sets the foundation for lifelong vision wellness. Insight Vision Center Optometry, the go-to eye care center for ortho-k and other vision solutions in the local area, explains more.

Eating Right

Teach your child about the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining eye health. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene contain specific nutrients that can improve and maintain eye health. Instilling in your child the importance of a good diet for their eyesight can help them make healthier food choices.

Wearing Sunglasses Outside

Let your kids know about the importance of wearing sunglasses outdoors. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can harm the eyes. Prolonged exposure can lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. Ensure they have a good-quality pair that offers 100% UV protection. You can also let them pick out a pair they like, so they’ll be more inclined to wear them.

Keeping the Hands Clean

Children often touch their eyes without realizing it. If their hands are dirty or carry harmful germs, it can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before touching their eyes or face. Also, remind them to avoid touching or rubbing their eyes as much as possible.

Healthy Screen Habits

Most eye doctors recommend one to two hours of screen time. Encourage kids to switch to screen-free activities, like reading a physical book, drawing, or playing a board game. Setting these boundaries early on can help develop a healthy relationship with technology, reducing the risk of digital eye strain.

Regular Eye Check-ups

Routine visits to an eye doctor can help identify potential vision problems in their early stages, making them easier to address. These exams enable early detection of any issues, ensuring timely treatment. During these visits, the doctor can check if eye care interventions like eyeglasses may be necessary for children. It’s advisable to schedule check-ups at least once a year.

The Importance of Eye Protection

Teach your child the importance of protective eyewear during specific activities. When they engage in sports, outdoor activities, or experiments that involve potential risks to the eyes, they should always wear safety goggles. This will protect their eyes from foreign objects, dust, and chemicals. 

Protect Your Child’s Eyes

Introducing eye care habits early on sets your kids up for a lifetime of healthy eyesight. For all your eye care needs in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA, trust Insight Vision Center Optometry. Whether you need more information about orthokeratology or want to schedule an eye exam, we’re here to help. Call (714) 486-3315, or book an appointment via our contact page today!

Insight Vision Center Optometry

Recent Posts

Why Did My Eye Prescription Change?

Whether you've been wearing glasses for years or you're a newcomer to the world of…

3 days ago

Webinar: What is Pre-Myopia?

Insight Vision Center Optometry located at Costa Mesa, CA, is at the forefront of pediatric…

6 days ago

How Eye Exams Can Detect More Than Just Vision Problems

Most people think of eye exams as a way to check if they need glasses…

1 month ago

Are Blue Light Glasses Really Worth It?

With so much of people's daily lives spent in front of screens, it's no wonder…

1 month ago

Premium Scleral Lenses: A Game-Changer in Complex Radial Keratotomy Cases

For patients with a history of radial keratotomy (RK), achieving clear and comfortable vision can…

2 months ago

A Night of Learning: Dr. Thanh Mai, Dr. Tina Tsai, and Dr. Tiffany Martinez’s Insightful Lecture on Anisometropia

There’s something remarkable about a group of professionals coming together to share knowledge, exchange ideas,…

2 months ago