5 Vision Habits to Model for Your Children

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a perfect time to focus on habits that can keep your child’s eyes healthy. But where do you start?

At Modern Vision Solutions (MVS) and all practices under our Modern Vision Omaha umbrella, we believe that good vision habits begin at home. Here are five simple yet effective habits you can model to ensure your children develop a lifetime of good vision practices.

1. Limit screen time.

Spending too much time on screens can strain your child’s eyes and cause discomfort. Encourage your children to take regular breaks from their screens. For every 20 minutes of screen time, suggest they look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This 20-20-20 rule helps reduce eye strain. Practicing this behavior yourself will show your children the importance of giving their eyes a break.

2. Encourage outdoor play.

Playing outside is not only fun but also beneficial for your child’s eye health. Natural light and looking at objects at different distances help develop good vision. Encourage your children to spend at least an hour a day outdoors. Join them in outdoor activities to set a positive example. This can be as simple as a family walk or a game of catch in the yard.

3. Wear sunglasses.

Just like skin, eyes need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Make wearing sunglasses a habit for you and your children whenever you are outside, even on cloudy days and in winter months. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This will protect their eyes from potential damage and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions later in life. MVS offers sunglasses from brands like Ray Ban and Oakley, in the latest fashions!

4. Eat eye-healthy foods.

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports good eye health. Foods like carrots, leafy greens and fish are great for your eyes. Incorporate these foods into your family meals and explain to your children how these foods help their vision. By eating these foods yourself, you can show your children the importance of a nutritious diet for their eye health.

5. Schedule regular eye exams.

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems early. Make sure your children have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. These exams can catch issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness early, ensuring your children get the necessary treatment. Schedule and attend your own eye exams to demonstrate the importance of regular check-ups. MVS Omaha offers convenient family appointments to fit your schedule!

Modeling good vision habits for your children is crucial in ensuring they maintain healthy eyes throughout their lives. By limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor play, wearing sunglasses, eating eye-healthy foods and scheduling regular eye exams, you can help your children develop habits that will protect their vision.

If you have any questions about your own eye health or want more tips, please schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Modern Vision Solutions. Our team is here to help you and your family maintain excellent vision.