Introduction
As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to grow up healthy and happy, with all the tools they need to succeed in life. One of the most important aspects of your child’s health is their vision. Good eyesight is essential for learning, playing, and exploring the world around them.

Unfortunately, many children today are at risk for developing vision problems due to factors such as screen time, poor nutrition, and inadequate eye care. In this article, we’ll share some tips and advice on how you can help keep your child’s eyes healthy and protect their vision for years to come.

Screen Time and Eye Health
In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere. From smartphones to tablets to computers, children are spending more time than ever before in front of screens. While technology can be a great tool for learning and entertainment, excessive screen time can be harmful to your child’s eyes.
Here are some tips for managing your child’s screen time and protecting their eye health:

• Set limits: Experts recommend that children between the ages of 2 and 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For older children, set reasonable limits on their screen time and encourage them to take breaks every 20 minutes.
• Encourage outdoor play: Spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children. Encourage your child to spend time outside each day, whether it’s playing sports, riding bikes, or simply taking a walk.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, have your child look away from the screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• Adjust screen settings: Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size on your child’s device to reduce eye strain. You can also use blue light filters to reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen.

Nutrition and Eye Health
What your child eats can also play a role in their eye health. Here are some nutrients that are important for healthy eyes and the foods that contain them:

• Vitamin A: Found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, vitamin A is important for good vision.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish such as salmon and tuna, omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent dry eyes and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: Found in foods such as spinach, kale, and eggs, these nutrients can help protect against age-related eye diseases.

Make sure your child is getting a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you’re concerned that your child isn’t getting enough of these nutrients, talk to your pediatrician about a supplement.

Eye Exams and Care
Regular eye exams are important for identifying vision problems and ensuring that your child’s eyes are healthy. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your child’s eye exams:

• Schedule regular exams: The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. OHIP covers annual eye exams for children up to 19 years of age.
• Look for signs of vision problems: If your child is squinting, rubbing their eyes, or complaining of headaches, they may be experiencing vision problems.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations: If your child needs glasses or contact lenses, make sure they wear them as prescribed. Encourage your child to wear protective eyewear when playing sports or engaging in other activities that could lead to eye injuries.

FAQs about Keeping Your Child’s Eyes Healthy
Q: How can I tell if my child is experiencing vision problems?
A: Look for signs such as squinting, rubbing their eyes, tilting their head, or complaining of headaches or eye fatigue. If you suspect that your child is experiencing vision problems, schedule an eye exam with their doctor.
Q: How much screen time is too much for my child?
A: Experts recommend that children between the ages of 2 and 5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For older children, set reasonable limits on their screen time and encourage them to take breaks every 20 minutes.
Q: How often should my child have an eye exam?
A: The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. OHIP covers annual eye exams for children up to 19 years of age.

Conclusion
As a parent, you play a crucial role in protecting your child’s vision and keeping their eyes healthy. By managing their screen time, ensuring they eat a balanced diet, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can help prevent vision problems and ensure that your child has the best possible chance for success in life. Remember to prioritize your child’s eye health and take steps to protect their vision today and for years to come. Keeping your child’s eyes healthy is essential for their overall health and wellbeing.

Your Local Optometrist

Your child’s eyes constantly change through these formative years, so it’s vital to have an eye care team to help you and your child through any issues that might be discovered. Our Tonic Eye Care team is here in your community, ready to talk you through any concerns about your child’s visual health.

Please feel free to reach out to us to schedule your child’s eye exam.