By AAPOS Public Information Committee
As the holiday season approaches, we enter a time of year that calls for reflection on the things in life for which we are grateful but might sometimes forget. One of those things is the gift of healthy eyes! Parents and caregivers often ask what they can do to ensure that their children develop good vision and maintain quality eye health throughout their lives. Here are some simple tips from AAPOS...
Healthy Eyes Start at Birth
Soon after a baby is born, physicians will check the newborn’s eyes during a physical exam. These checkups continue annually for the first few years of life to ensure growth and development is on track.
At 2-3 months, a child will start to track faces with their eyes. So, when you smile at your baby and he or she smiles back, it’s a good sign that your child can see you! If a pediatrician or family physician has concerns about your child’s eye health or vision as they grow, ask for a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Good Nutrition for Good Vision
You've probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes — and that's true! But the best thing you can do is eat healthy food in general. Eating nutritious meals helps every part of your body to grow strong and healthy, including the eyes and brain. The American Academy of Pediatrics is the best resource for dietary guidance for children of all ages.
Consider these swaps in your family's diet:
• Introduce whole grain foods and the full rainbow of vegetables.
• Limit ultra processed foods, sweetened snacks, and surgery beverages.
• Do not give your child any type of vitamins or supplements unless instructed by your
pediatrician.
Strong Bodies Make for Strong Eyes
Did you know that playing outside can help your child's eyes? Research has shown that regular physical activity is important for development, especially vision. Playing outside in the sun makes children less likely to develop myopia (nearsightedness). Kids who are physically active early in life are more likely to maintain a normal weight as they age. A healthy weight decreases chances of developing vision loss caused by medical problems like diabetes and high blood pressure (conditions that are common in overweight adults). Reduce the amount of screen time in your household, as it can worsen existing myopia in kids. Less screens means more real-life social interactions, which foster good mental health and well-being.
Protect What You Love
Just like wearing a helmet when riding a bike or applying sunscreen before playing outdoors, it is important to protect a child’s eyes when they are active. Participation in extracurriculars like hockey or football can put a child’s vision at risk. Always suit up in protective gear, especially for activities such as paintball and airsoft gun use. Sunglasses are also an important protective measure against UV rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight on the water at the beach or on the ski slopes can lead to eye damage long-term. Lastly, many eye injuries happen at home, so practice safe habits when using power tools, hammering nails, or doing yardwork. Modeling eye safety behaviors can reflect positively in kids.
We’re not always able to see clearly how lucky we are to have good vision and healthy eyes. Let’s make being thankful for our sight a year-long celebration! Remember to follow these tips for protecting the gift of sight every day of the year.