The development of your child's vision begins before birth. During pregnancy, you have to observe proper nutrition for the growth of your child's body and mind. This includes the eyes and the visual system of your child.
To prevent serious vision problems, you must have a proper amount of rest, take supplements and avoid consuming drugs, alcohol or smoking throughout your pregnancy. Once your baby is born, his visual system will then develop gradually until it reaches its full development in several months and years.
As parents, you have the responsibility to take care of the physical well-being of your child -- including improvement of his vision. Your help is needed to ensure that you child can see properly and enjoy the world around him to the fullest.
It is essential that you know how to improve and protect your child's vision. Visian ILC shares the following tips on how to protect your child's eyesight:
1. Provide Nutritious Meals
Prepare foods that are nutritious for your children. These include orange fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin A and C such as sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, oranges and berries. Leafy greens can also lower the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
According to Health.com, mackerel, salmon, anchovies, trout and tuna contain DHA which is a fatty acid that is found in a retina -- urging everyone especially kids to consume them to aid in such prevention.
2. Keep an Eye to Your Child's Vision
As your child's vision is in progress, you must always look at his eyes for any clouding or haziness in the pupil. If your child is having symptoms of eye problems such as squinting crossed eyes, blurry vision, watery eyes, unequal pupils and double vision, you must see an eye doctor right away. The doctor can examine your child's eyes and will prescribe proper medication for treatment of your child's eyes.
3. Provide Toys that Encourage Visual Development
Give your child toys that enhance his visual sensory. The visual perceptual skills of your child can be strengthened with sensory toys. Avoid giving your child toys with sharp edges that may hurt his eyes.
4. Wear Protective Gears
Provide your child with sun protection such as sunglasses with UV coated lenses, eyeglasses, hats and caps if you will go out. If your child is going to play sports outdoors, provide him with proper athletic gear that can protect his eyes.
5. Have a Regular Check-Up with an Eye Doctor
Bring your child to an eye doctor for a regular eye examination. This can ensure the protection of your child's vision while he is growing.
Make sure to do all these to protect your little one's vision. It pays to be more cautious and extra careful than to be sorry for not "keeping an eye" on his eyes.
