A few decades ago children who wore glasses at school were in the minority. On the other hand, in the XNUMXst century, it is rare for the child who does not need glasses, it is more one in three children have visual impairments. Cases of myopia have doubled in the last five decades.
Sight is one of the most important senses we have and we must take care of it. Let's see what are the reasons that have increased vision problems in children and how parents can prevent vision problems in our children.
Reasons for the increase in children with vision problems
Vision problems are very worrying because affect a child's learning, performance, and life in general. The most common vision problems are myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, lazy eye, strabismus and drischromatopsia (color changes).
Our visual maturity ranges from birth to 8 years old. What happens during that period is key to a correct or non-development of our eyesight.
What are the reasons for the increase in children with vision problems?
- Inheritance. This reason has always been present, vision problems they are hereditary.
- Little time outdoors. Children do not spend as much time as they used to play outside, and this also affects their vision. Sight is a sense that must be worked on, and if what they see is something that is 1 meter away, they will not be able to strengthen their eyesight. What's more the eyes need to be exposed to natural light for their development. If the child is always indoors, his vision is reduced and impaired.
- Excessive exposure to the sun's rays without protection. As we have seen before, children need to be outdoors and in sunlight for their sight to develop perfectly. But you also have to have beware of long direct exposures. In those cases, they should wear sunglasses with solar filter for places where the exposure is direct, such as on the beach or on a walk.
- Use electronic devices. Excessive screen exposure affects visual development, as the eye gets used to seeing things up close and dries up by not blinking as much.
How to prevent vision problems in our children
Knowing these reasons will make it easier for us to prevent possible vision problems for our children. Let's see what are the advice of the experts.
Complete evaluation by an ophthalmologist
It is recommended a annual review during the first years of life to check that there is no problem or, failing that, to remedy it as soon as possible.
Reduce the use of tablets, computers, television and mobiles
The use of these devices has exploded in recent years and the effects on eyesight are already being seen. The experts recommend that the use of these devices is during short periods, with breaks every 20 minutes staring at a distant point, and putting it at a distance of 30 centimeters Of the eye. Also suitable for readings.
Exercise vision
To be able to do it we can play to focus your eyes on distant objects, that are more than 3 meters away, and that they describe them. Or also try to read signs that are far away, to see who is the first to read it.
Sleep well
For proper growth, children need adequate sleep. It is at night when the eyes rest of daily effort.
Caring for food
Food is important for everything, and it was not going to be less for vision. To take care of the sight it is recommended to take foods rich in antioxidants (vegetables and fruits) and omega 3 (fish).
Caring for lighting at home
It is very important to check that they have the necessary light to carry out their activities, such as studying, reading, drawing ... and always within natural light as much as possible.
Because remember… vision is very important for our development. With these simple tips you can prevent vision problems in your children that can affect all their activities.