In this day and age, it’s a common sight to see kids incessantly glued to their devices, be it their computer, phones, television or game devices. And it’s no wonder we see a rise in the number of kids needing glasses at increasingly younger ages.
Besides that, these habits can lead to headaches, body aches and dry eyes. However, you can prevent these issues by instilling good eyecare practices in your kid’s daily life. Read on for our top 5 eyecare tips to prevent myopia!
1. Limit their time on screens
Limit your child’s time on electronic devices, such as gaming consoles, computers and phones. As a rule of thumb, they should be taking at least a five to ten minute break after every hour of continuous screen-time. Encourage them to occupy themselves with another activity, or take a walk downstairs, before returning to their electronic device.
2. Get them out and about
Studies have suggested that outdoor activities may slow down the development of myopia in kids. Here’s another reason to encourage your child to spend more time playing sports, socialising or spending time with family at the park! However, do try out those activities that require exercise or body movements so you can also boost your child’s physical fitness at the same time.
3. Avoid straining their eyes in the dark
If your kids are night owls, ensure there’s adequate lighting at home in areas where they are most active, such as the living room or bedroom. Encourage them to read a book with large print, a light source nearby, and holding the book at a length of about 30cm. If they’re watching television, make sure they’re not sitting too close to the screen, and upright with good posture.
4. Bring them for regular check-ups
An eye exam can test your child’s eyesight, to determine if he needs to take extra care or wear spectacles. Besides conducting visual exams or prescribing optical appliances, optometrists can diagnose eye or vision problems before referring your child to an ophthalmologist for further treatment.
5. Feed Their Eyes Properly
Like every other part of your body, the health of your eyes is influenced by what your child eats. Include nutrients such as vitamin C and E, zinc, omega 3 and lutein in their diet – they can help boost your child’s eye health and reduce their risk of eye conditions. Examples of foods that contain them include leafy vegetables, salmon, eggs, oranges and oysters.
If you’re looking for products to improve eye health, look no further. On our in-app Marketplace, we have a range of eye health supplements, creams, gels and drops to combat certain eye health issues. On the platform, you can also browse and purchase a range of affordable spectacles with great designs! Click here to enter Marketplace today and purchase your products online, with free delivery to your doorstep.
