Want to improve your child’s vision? This EN tip can help their eyes

Gone are the days when kids spent most of their time outdoors. Today, the situation looks quite different – they are glued to smartphones or other screens, even more so after the Covid-19 pandemic took over our lives. Whether it’s online education or leisure, it unnecessarily strains their eyes. So is there any advice that could help?

Dr. Ashwani Seth, ophthalmologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Karol Bagh, Delhi, says HealthShots about. “Sunbathing can improve vision in children. Those children who are outside and exposed to daylight may be at lower risk of developing myopia. Did you know that strong external light helps a child’s developing eyes to maintain the correct distance between the lens and the retina and keep vision in focus. Look at the sun for 15 minutes for better vision. Try to opt for sunbathing, ”he shares.

What are other tips for kids to improve their eye health?

1. Eat a well-balanced diet

   “Did you know that eating certain foods will help your child improve their eyesight. Yes that `s right! Try to include foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin A, but they also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin C and B12, which are good for the eyes, “adds Dr. Seth.

Your child should eat spinach, broccoli and kale. Other colorful vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, contain beta-carotene and preserve them retina healthy. Pistachios, cashews, almonds, walnuts and peanuts are full of vitamin E and reduce the risk of myopia in children. Whole grains contain vision-friendly nutrients such as niacin. Eggs contain lutein, an antioxidant that fights macular degeneration.

2. Regular exercise

   In addition to a balanced diet, daily exercise is also essential. This can help your baby maintain blood and oxygen flow throughout the body and improve eye health.

“If your child isn’t exercising yet, let them do it right away! Exercise will certainly benefit in maintaining an intact vision. In addition to regular exercise, eye exercises can also help you improve your eyesight. Talk to an expert about eye exercises that are suitable for your children, ”advises dr. Seth.

Also read: How much time should we have in front of the screen to protect eye health?

3. Reduce the use of electronic gadgets:

   “Is your child addicted to electronic gadgets like smartphones? You will need to be careful and limit your child’s time in front of the screen. It’s weird that constantly playing video games, watching videos, and texting friends exposes your child to blue light, which can put a digital strain on your eyes. Therefore, make sure that the child is not exposed to these devices for longer than recommended, “explains Dr. Seth.

Set a time limit for the children and make sure they follow the instructions exactly. If your child uses an electronic device, be sure to take frequent breaks.

4. Perform routine eye examinations

   Do you skip your children’s routine eye exams? Don’t take it lightly! An hour is needed to take the children to a specialist every six months to check their vision.

“If your child complains of headaches and impaired vision, he may have symptoms of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) or amblyopia, which is a lazy eye. Let it be properly assessed by an ophthalmologist. Do not ignore all these red flags, as they can cause serious eye problems in the future, “concludes dr. Seth.