As a parent, you want your child to maintain excellent health, including strong eyesight. Proper vision care will help your child do better in school and enhance their overall quality of life. In addition to taking your little one for annual eye exams, follow the advice below to keep their vision in excellent condition. 

3 Tips to Protect Your Child’s Vision 

1. Feed Your Child a Nutritious Diet

A balanced diet is more than a way to help your child maintain a healthy weight – it’s also an excellent form of vision care. Salmon and other fatty fish, for example, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome, cataracts, and macular degeneration later on. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are also beneficial because they contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which combat harmful free radicals in the eyes.

2. Limit Screen Time

In today’s digital age, kids spend many hours staring at computers, tablets, televisions, and smartphones. While the long-term effects of this exposure are still being studied, it’s well established that too much screen time can increase the risk of dry eye syndrome and eyestrain. To prevent these issues and boost vision care, have your child take a break from the screen every hour for at least 10 minutes. Limit their usage to no more than a few hours each day. 

3. Encourage Exercise

Exercise offers many benefits for the body, including preserving vision. Physical activity, for instance, can lower eye pressure, which can in turn reduce the risk of glaucoma. It can also help your child cut down on eyestrain from indoor activities like reading or computer use. Encourage your child to exercise most days of the week. Have your child join a team sport or go on walks or bike rides in the neighborhood. On days when the weather is poor, keep them active with chores, dancing, or pillow fights. 

If it’s time for your child’s annual eye exam, turn to the professionals at Medical Eye Associates, S.C. in Mukwonago, WI. They first opened their doors in 1939 and have been providing superb vision care services for the entire family ever since. These professionals use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat various eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma. They’ll create a custom treatment plan for each patient, including children. To make an appointment with an eye doctor, call (262) 363-5333 or visit their website for more information about their services.