How to Protect Your Child’s Eyesight
“Do not sit too close to the TV.” “Do not read in the dark.” “Eat your carrots.” Oh, how I remember growing up and having my parents tell me to protect my eyes and warn me about activities that might ruin my vision!
Today, parents have the same worries, with a modern twist: “Don’t hold your cell phone too close to your eyes!” “Wear your blue light glasses when you’re on the computer!” “Eat your carrots!” Well, I guess some things haven’t changed. As an optometrist, I’ve heard all of these from concerned parents. Some even tell me that they don’t want eyeglasses for their children because wearing them will worsen their vision. Are any of these ideas true?
No, not really. Our vision is dependent on genetics and environmental factors, not what we do with our eyes. For kids who need glasses, wearing them won’t make their vision worse. As we have advanced in our society with technology and electronic devices, this is still true. Nearsighted (myopic) parents usually have nearsighted children who have difficulty seeing the board at school. And yes, many of these students might love to read for hours and spend too much time on their digital devices – just like most kids these days.
So how can you protect your kids’ eyesight? Here’s what I tell parents:
- Encourage outdoor activities. The number 1 preventive factor in reducing the progression and onset of nearsightedness in school-age children is outdoor play and exercise. You read that right: outdoor physical activity really can help protect your child’s vision! Spending an hour at the playground is truly the best advice I can give every parent.
- Limit electronic use before bedtime. I always tell parents who’re concerned about their child’s vision and eye health to have kids stop any electronic use 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. While it won’t affect their vision long-term, blue light from electronic devices suppresses melatonin production. This disrupts their sleep patterns, which could result in behavior changes the next day.
- Offer eye-healthy foods. Carrots are a healthy choice, but they aren’t a magical food for eyesight. But I do recommend that your kids get lots of green leafy veggies (spinach, broccoli, kale), cauliflower, corn, and even orange bell pepper. Lutein and zeaxanthin are nutrients found in these vegetables. They’re important for the macula (center of the retina) and back of the eyes.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule. It’s a good habit to give your eyes a break now and then. Every 20 minutes on the digital devices, take a minimum of a 20 second break to look 20 feet away in the distance.
As a parent of four, I worry about my child’s eyes too! I try to ensure they get at least an hour of physical activity outdoors every day with family bike rides or trips to the playground. I also sneak greens into smoothies, hide them in other foods, and even put them straight onto their dinner plates from time to time!
Resources for Parents
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Featured Author
Dr John Corpus's bio reads: "I was excited to join the Kaiser Permanente Ophthalmology Medicine Group in Vacaville. I received my Optometry degree from the UC Berkeley School of Optometry in 2006." Dr. Corpus' full bio can be found on My Doctor Online. Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.