Monitoring a child's growth is a parent's responsibility. One important aspect of this is maintaining their eye health, as their vision and visual development undergo significant changes from birth.

In addition, vision also plays an important role in the physical, social, and cognitive development of every child.

Johns Hopkins ophthalmologist Courtney Kraus shares some tips for parents on maintaining their children's eye health. Here's her explanation, as reported by Hopkins Medicine.

1. Train children's visual

You can train your child's visual acuity from infancy on high-contrast colors and patterns on toys and household items. Give your child time to focus on things around them when in new environments, and approach objects from all angles to help them become comfortable with a wider field of vision.

Play with your child like a game of peek-a-boo. This can help stimulate hand-eye coordination for babies in the same way as a game of catch with a toddler or school-aged child.

2. Provide balanced nutrition

Nutrients such as zinc, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E are known to be beneficial for eye health.

• Fruits with vitamins C and E, such as oranges, strawberries, and mangoes, can help repair tissue and prevent infection.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can prevent dry eyes and reduce the risk of future cataracts.
• Green vegetables that contain Vitamin A such as spinach and kale can help fight dry eyes and night blindness.
• Non-meat proteins like eggs and nuts also help balance your child's diet.

3. Protect your eyes with appropriate glasses.

Recent studies show that 90 percent of childhood eye injuries are preventable. As children become more active, be sure to equip them with protective eyewear made from shatterproof plastic, called polycarbonate lenses.

Look for eyewear that has been tested to meet American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Be sure to inspect any hazardous equipment in the indoor or outdoor areas where your child plays.

4. Limit the use of digital screens

Keep screens at least 45 cm away from the eyes, and encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which is to look up from the screen every 20 minutes and look at something at least 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds.

Although research has shown that blue light from digital devices is not harmful to the eyes, if this is done continuously it can certainly cause eye strain, which is a condition that can cause blurred vision or dry eyes, irritation, and problems with focusing.

5. Pay attention to danger signs

You may be able to detect vision problems if you notice your child experiencing the following problems:

• Not interested in distant objects
• Squinting
• Tilting the head
• Holding objects very close to the eyes
• Rubbing eyes
• Sensitive to light
• Poor hand-eye coordination

Source: cnbcindonesia.com