In India, 1 in every 4 children in cities and 1 in every 7 children in villages are now wearing glasses and with the increasing prevalence of vision problems in children, it is more important than ever to ensure that they get the right eye care. As the monsoon season progresses, you must be extra cautious about your child’s eye health and consulting your ophthalmologist is the key to keeping your child’s eyes healthy.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Jay Goyal, eye surgeon, LASIK and retina specialist and director, Surya Eye Hospital, shares expert advice on how to keep your child’s eyes healthy –
1. Wear glasses regularly
It is important that children wear their prescribed glasses consistently. Regular use is key to correcting vision, reducing eye strain, and preventing the progression of refractive errors. If children stop wearing their glasses, their vision may deteriorate over time, potentially leading to the need for a stronger prescription.
2. Limit screen time
Excessive screen use is a major factor in causing eye strain and fatigue in children. Limiting screen use to just one hour a day can significantly reduce the risk of digital eye strain. Since children’s eyes are still developing, prolonged exposure to screens can lead to problems like myopia and dry eye syndrome.
3. Avoid rubbing your eyes
Rubbing the eyes is a common habit among children, but it can lead to serious eye problems. Rubbing the eyes too much can weaken the cornea, leading to conditions like keratoconus, in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward in a cone shape. This can seriously affect vision and may even require surgery.
4. Healthy diet
Maintaining a nutritious diet is very important for good eye health. It is important to ensure that your child eats a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and essential vitamins. Foods like carrots, spinach and fish are great for eye health as they provide essential nutrients like vitamins A and C and omega-3 fatty acids, which help in the overall functioning of the eyes.
In a list of eye care tips, Mumbai-based ophthalmologist Dr Shachi Joshi suggests the following measures to help children’s eye health.
1. Encourage outdoor activities
Outdoor activities play an important role in reducing the risk of myopia. Spending time outdoors, especially in natural light, has been found to improve eye health and slow down the progression of myopia. Encourage your children to play outside for at least one to two hours a day, as this not only benefits their eyes but also contributes to their overall physical health.
2. Maintain proper reading distance
Maintaining proper distance is very important to prevent eye strain. Children should maintain a distance of at least 40 cm from the book or screen while reading or studying. This simple habit helps reduce the strain on their eyes and can prevent the onset of myopia.
3. Ensure proper lighting
Proper lighting is important when studying or doing any close work. A well-lit environment prevents eye strain. Make sure your child’s study area is well-lit, and has lighting that does not cast harsh shadows or cause glare on the reading material.
4. Get enough sleep
Adequate sleep is very important for maintaining eye health in children. They need at least 7-8 hours of sleep to rest their eyes and maintain overall health. Lack of sleep can cause eye fatigue, discomfort, and even long-term vision problems.
5. Regular eye checkups
Regular eye exams are important to monitor your child’s eye health. Visiting an eye specialist every six months helps to detect and address any problems early. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent them from getting worse and ensure that your child’s eyes stay healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
