December 2017
Parents, take a few minutes to talk with your kids about these important eye-care tips. Now’s the time to create habits that will give them a lifetime of good vision!
- Eat right to protect your sight. Load up on different types of fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens. Fish like salmon, tuna and halibut have been shown to help your eyes, too.
- Get moving. Did you know that kids who exercise often have a healthier body weight than kids who don’t? Being overweight or obese can put you at higher risk for diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision problems.
- Speak up if your vision changes. Is your vision blurry? Do you squint a lot? Ever have trouble seeing things at school? Tell a parent or teacher if your eyes are bothering you or if you notice any changes in your vision.
- Wear your glasses. Your glasses help you see better, especially when they’re clean. Talk to an adult about how to clean your glasses and how to store them when you’re not wearing them.
- Keep the germs away. Always wash your hands before putting them close to your eyes, especially if you’re putting in or taking out contact lenses.
- Gear up. Playing your favorite sport? Using chemicals during science class? Mowing the lawn? Wear the right protection to keep your eyes safe. Many eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear.
- Wear your shades. The sun’s rays can hurt your eyes. Choose sunglasses that block 99 or 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. And remember, you should never look directly at the sun.
Source: National Eye Institute