3 quick tips to start the new year with new vision

One in five preschoolers in the United States have vision problems, and by the time they enter school, one in four will need or wear corrective lenses according to the American Optometric Association. So much development occurs during the first six years of a child's life—a critical development period when children are most susceptible to vision changes—that unaddressed vision problems can hold children back, taking a toll on academic achievements.

So why not start the new year off right with caring for your child’s eyes! Check out these top tips to kick off this year.

be aware of screens

Monitoring screen time is more than just cutting off the three hours of Netflix binged cartoons on television. It’s phones, tablets, laptops, even the digital device built into the fridge. All these devices add up to large amounts of screen time and can lead to computer vision syndrome, causing dry eyes, fatigue and blurry vision. Try these tips to help your kids:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule; for every 20 minutes of looking at a digital screen, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Rest your eyes so they can regain needed moisture. This mean walking away from the device and playing outside or taking a walk.

schedule that annual exam

Getting regular eye exams is an essential part of maintaining good eye health and will ensure that your child’s academic studies don't suffer. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following eye exam schedule:

• Birth
• Once between six months and one year old
• Between 12- 36 months
• Between ages three- five 
• Every year after age five  

eat healthy foods

Everyone loves junk food but it’s not the best option, especially for eye health. Good eyesight starts with good food. Try eating:

• plenty of dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens
• fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids — like salmon, tuna, and halibut
• eggs, nuts, beans and other nonmeat proteins
• citrus fruits like oranges