Healthy Eyes: Vision Habits for Children as They Return to School

Kids never forget what they learn with pleasure in school and for learning vision is very important. As students return to school they must follow a healthy vision routine. A kid not following healthy habits will likely face difficulty with vision in school. Healthy vision habits are essential for a child's educational success and overall well-being.

At Eye Care Plus we share guide parents with expert tips that help their kid to maintain healthy vision habits. As famous Optometrist Calgary AB, we encourage parents to reduce the digital eye strain of their kids which is the major cause of vision loss these days. Below you will find tips suggested by Optometrist for kids better eye health. 

Regular Eye Exams

Kids' healthy vision habits begin with regular eye exams. Expert Optometrist suggests that before visiting school kids should have their vision checked once. They should follow this vision check-up routine with an annual checkup.

Routine eye exams can detect kids' vision problems early stages before they become major eye issues. Kid with bad vision habits face difficulty with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism which affects their ability to read and learn in class.

Proper Lighting

Practice your kids to study and read in good light as they return to school.  Insufficient light can cause eye strain and headaches leading to a decrease in concentration and learning. Ensure that their classroom and study room at home are well-lit with natural light.

Buy them a bright lamp to keep on their table that mimics daylight. Teach them to open windows to allow bright sunlight to enter the room when they study at home. 

20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 Rule is a scientific formula. Eye experts suggest it for kids to practice as they return to school. Parents should teach their kids the 20-20-20 rule. Following this rule kids should take brake after every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away.

This simple formula is effective nowadays because children are more prone to digital eye strain with the increasing use of digital devices. Encourage your kids to get involved in outdoor activities and physical exercise to reduce the strain on their eyes from prolonged screen time.

Balanced Diet

Diet is essential for the overall growth of the kids and for better vision. Food rich in vitamin A, minerals like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids proven to be healthy for kids' eye health. Feed them with food rich in nutrients.

A diet full of these nutrients will help your kids to maintain good vision and overall eye health. End their habit of eating junk food and encourage your kids to enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and milk in their scheduled meals.

Hygiene and Adequate Sleep

Learning hygiene benefits before kids return to school is vital for good health and vision. Optometrists suggest that kids should learn to wash their hands before they touch or scrub their eyes. They should not share items like towels and handkerchiefs to prevent eye infections like Pink eye (Conjunctivitis). 

The next habit that eye specialists advise is that kids should get adequate sleep for better eye health. Parents should ensure that their kids are getting enough rest each night to prevent eye stress the next day they go to school. 

Encourage Breaks

Ensure that children have desks and chairs that are adjustable to their size. Proper posture can prevent them from leaning too close to their books or screens, which can lead to eye strain.

During long periods of study or reading, encourage children to take short breaks. This can help prevent eye fatigue and keep their vision sharp throughout the day.

Conclusion

Experience Optometrist Calgary AB shared the above tips for parents. They recommend that by following these guidelines parents and educators can help safeguard children's vision. Kids' vision health should be a priority of parents!