As children grow, their eyes change quickly. Being vigilant about eye health is important to identify and address problems early. Here are some tips to help you be proactive about your child’s eye health.
Provide a balanced diet – nutrients such as zinc, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, C and E have been found to be beneficial to the eye
- Fruits with vitamins C and E, such as oranges, strawberries and mangos, can help restore tissues and prevent
infections - The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon and tuna can prevent dry eye and reduce risk of cataracts and AMD
- Leafy greens containing vitamin A such as spinach and kale can help fight dry eye as well as blindness
- Non-meat protein such as eggs and nuts can also help balance your child’s diet
Protect eyes with appropriate eyewear
- wear sunglasses with UV protection when they’re out in the sun
- as your child becomes more active, wearing protective eyewear, made with shatterproof plastic, called polycarbonate lenses will help protect their eyes from any hazards.
Look out for warning signs
- Disinterest in distant objects
- Squinting
- Head tilting
- Holding objects very close to the eyes
- Eye rubbing
- Sensitivity to light
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Disinterest in reading
Attend regular eye exams – if you think your child may have a vision problem, call us to make an appointment.