1. Eat right to protect your sight
To keep your eyes healthy, it’s essential to eat a variety of nutritious foods. Make sure your meals include a mix of different fruits and vegetables, especially those with dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. These greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit your eyes.
Include fish in your diet, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. These types of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to support eye health. Omega-3s contribute to maintaining the structure of your eye cells and can help prevent conditions like dry eyes.
In addition to incorporating these specific foods, aim for a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients. This way, you provide your eyes with the diverse range of vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and function properly. Remember to drink plenty of water, too, as staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, including that of your eyes.
2. Get moving
Did you know that when kids exercise a lot, they usually have a body that’s a good weight? This means not being too heavy. When you’re too heavy, it can lead to problems like diabetes, which is a sickness that can affect your body. And guess what? It can also cause issues with your eyesight.
You can think of exercising as a superhero for your body. It keeps you at a healthy weight, which is important for keeping your eyes healthy. So go out and play, run, or do things that make you move – it boosts your body’s superpowers!
3. Speak up if your vision changes
If your vision seems fuzzy or you find yourself squinting often and things are getting tricky to see at school, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a parent or a teacher about it. They can help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next.
Sometimes our eyes send us signals that something might be up, like if things start to look blurry or unclear. It’s essential to share these signs with someone you trust, so they can help you take care of your eyes. Don’t worry; talking about it can lead to finding solutions that make your vision clearer and more comfortable.
4. Use Safety Eyewear
If you’re working with stuff that can be harmful or flying around, like chemicals or things in the air, it’s a good idea to wear safety glasses or goggles to keep your eyes safe. This is important, whether you’re at work or doing something at home.
When playing sports like ice hockey, racquetball, or lacrosse, there’s a chance you could get hurt in the eye. To avoid that, it’s smart to wear special gear for your eyes. You can use helmets that have a face mask or sports goggles with strong lenses made from a material called polycarbonate. These things act like shields for your eyes, making sure you stay safe while enjoying your favorite activities.
5. Keep the germs away.
Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly before you touch your eyes, especially when putting in or removing contact lenses. Washing your hands is important because it helps get rid of any dirt or germs that could cause problems if they get near your eyes. So, keep your hands clean to keep your eyes happy and healthy!
6. Give your eyes a break.
If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer, phone, or TV screen, your eyes can get tired. But don’t worry; there’s a simple trick to give them a break. It’s called the 20-20-20 rule.
Here’s how it works: Every 20 minutes, take a break and look at something about 20 feet away from you for about 20 seconds. This helps relax your eyes and prevents them from getting too worn out. So, remember to give your eyes a little vacation now and then while you’re enjoying your screens!
