Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by Aaron Barriga
Bad vision can be caused by astigmatism, nearsightedness & farsightedness. These can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or some surgeries. These conditions are genetic to a certain extent, but may also be influenced by your environment. Globally, about 80% of vision impairment cases are avoidable (Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment). But here’s what science has to say.
Environment over Genetics
If two people are nearsighted, it’s more likely their children will be nearsighted. However, if a child spends a lot of time reading or working up close, and not much time outside, they may actually need reading glasses. But if kids are brought up in the right environment, they can maintain good eyesight without experiencing headaches and perform well at school and other activities.
How Can You Treat Bad Eyesight?
1. Inculcate Good Habits
There are plenty of good habits you can inculcate in your child to prevent them from struggling with poor eyesight. Most kids these days carry digital devices with them wherever they travel.
We’ve seen kids with phones and iPads on the trains, outside a movie theatre, and of course at home. You need to limit the amount of time your kids spend on these devices. These gadgets also shouldn’t be easily accessible. And instead, it should act as a reward.
Kids should also be encouraged to spend more time outdoors rather than simply gaming or sitting in front of a television. Motivate them to play with the neighbor’s kids or find time to play a ball game with them. Make sure they’re active for a major part of the day.
2. Provide Vitamins for Eyesight
Providing vitamins for eyesight is another way for you to make sure that you encourage healthy eating habits and an overall improved lifestyle. This includes eating the right foods that give your kids’ eyesight a big boost. But healthy foods don’t necessarily have to be boring.
Your kids are simply not going to eat an entire bowl of salad. But if you try to include green vegetables in an omlette, sandwich, or pasta, they will consume all the right vitamins. Encourage your kids to also eat citrus fruits, fish, eggs, and nuts. These foods contain plenty of nutrients and help your child maintain a well-balanced diet.
3. Get an Early Eye Exam
While good habits and a healthy diet are important to maintain eyesight, it’s also crucial for you to take your kids for an early eye exam. Many kids may suffer from poor eyesight without even realizing it.
A healthy set of eyes is essential in the growing years. It helps kids understand the world around, familiarizes them with their immediate environment and people. Good eyesight also helps your child concentrate in the classroom without experiencing mild headaches and blurred vision.
Taking your kids to an eye doctor will help detect any early eye conditions that can be easily corrected with glasses. In the growing years, kids should get a yearly eye exam done to help them succeed in the classroom, in sports, and in other activities.
Poor vision may be hereditary to an extent but doesn’t affect your kids’ eyesight if a healthy routine is put into place. If you’re looking for an experienced eye doctor in Fresno, CA, book an appointment with Insight Vision Centre today for a comprehensive eye assessment of your kids’ vision. Book an eye exam today.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
