Studies show that children acquire 80% of their knowledge through visual learning until they are 12. The American Optometric Association says that vision problems can negatively affect a child’s performance in school. They can also impact kinesthetic skills like proper hand-eye coordination, which is necessary for long-term development.
Aside from scheduling regular eye exam appointments for your little ones, you must let them know about the importance of caring for their eyes. Here are nine eye care habits to teach your kids.
Limit Screen Time
Today, it isn’t uncommon for parents to let their kids watch educational shows on computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital devices. However, too much screen time has been associated with sleep loss, behavioral problems, obesity and poor academic performance. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children below two years old should not get more than one or two hours of screen time daily.
Another issue that excessive screen time can cause is digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Its common symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and eye strain. Some patients might also experience pain in their neck and shoulder.
You can reduce the amount of time your child spends in front of screens by encouraging them to play outside or do physical activities like sports. Teach them the 20-20-20 rule. It’s where you look 20 feet away from screens for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Wear Appropriate Protective Eyewear
Does your child play sports? If so, be sure that they wear appropriate protective eyewear for the activity they participate in. For instance, safety goggles might be necessary for those who play ball and hockey. If your child rides a bicycle, they should wear a helmet for protection from concussions and other head injuries. Wearing proper safety eye gear can prevent most sports-related eye injuries.
Regardless of age, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses is essential when heading outdoors. It will shield your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Whether swimming in the pool or ocean, children should wear goggles.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet will do more than strengthen your child’s immune system. It can keep different body parts healthy, including the skin, teeth and eyes. Make sure your child eats nourishing meals that include colorful fruits and vegetables. Prepare dishes with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E.
It isn’t enough that your child eats well. They should also drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is vital to maintaining good eye health. The amount of water your little one needs depends on their age, physical activities and weather conditions.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Children should have their first comprehensive eye examination between zero to six months of age. They should have another visit to an eye doctor when they turn three years old and get another assessment before they are in first grade. Experts recommend school-age children get an eye exam every two years. However, your child might need to see a specialist more frequently if they wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Routine eye exams involve vision screenings and tests to detect common eye conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, lazy eye and crossed eyes. If your eye doctor discovers that your child needs corrective lenses, they will perform additional tests to determine their eye prescription.
Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene can help protect your child against illnesses and maintain good overall health. Bacteria and viruses often travel to the eyes through your hands. Remind your kid to wash their hands with soap and water regularly. Doing so can prevent the spread of germs that can hurt their eyes and other body parts.
One of the most common eye problems a person can get due to poor hygiene is conjunctivitis or pink eye. A bacteria or virus can cause this eye infection. It can also occur in people with seasonal allergies. Sufferers might experience eye redness, itchiness and light sensitivity. They might feel a gritty sensation or notice a discharge in one or both eyes.
Proper Use and Care of Eyewear
Some children are unaware of how to use their prescription eyewear properly. Teach your little one how to wear their eyeglasses or contact lenses safely. Tell them to keep the eyewear on when doing up-close tasks like reading. Before playing with friends, ask them to take off their glasses.
Your child should know the risks of wearing someone else’s glasses and contact lenses. They should also not let others wear their prescription eyewear. Teach them how to clean their glasses and store them in the case when not in use.
Is your child wearing eyeglasses for the first time? Let them choose the color and frame of their glasses. When they own a pair that they love, they are less likely to take it off. An optician can help them select glasses that meet their needs and preferences. 
Get Enough Sleep
Your eyes need to rest like other parts of your body. Eye bags, redness and puffiness are not the only things that can happen due to sleep deprivation. It can increase the risk of dry eyes because your eyes might not produce enough moisture when you don’t get enough rest.
Children who don’t get sufficient sleep tend to fall asleep during the day or become hyperactive. Some might find it hard to focus and pay attention, which could cause problems in school. Others could become moody, irritable and cranky. Be sure to set a bedtime that lets your child get adequate sleep. Also, avoid screen exposure at least an hour before bedtime.
Avoid Eye Rubbing
You might instinctively rub your eyes when they feel itchy. It might give you instant relief but can cause more problems in the long run. If your child rubs their eyes with dirty hands, they could develop an eye infection. The skin surrounding the eye is delicate. Rubbing it can cause broken blood vessels and dark circles. Does your child have allergies? If so, rubbing their eyes will only worsen their symptoms.
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