Vision Problems In Kids: Reduce Risk By Inculcating These Daily Habits

Certain factors can significantly increase the risk of vision problems in children. These include excessive screen time, lack of outdoor activity, poor nutrition, uncorrected refractive errors, and genetics. However, developing healthy daily habits can help support and protect your child's vision as they grow. Encouraging regular eye care, balanced diets, screen-time breaks, and eye-friendly routines can greatly reduce the risk of long-term vision issues and strain, ensuring their eyes stay healthy and functional. Keep reading as we share a list of daily habits to add to your kid's routine to reduce risk of vision problems.

10 Daily habits you can inculcate in their routine to reduce risk

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1. Limit screen time

Prolonged exposure to screens like TVs, tablets, smartphones, and computers can lead to digital eye strain and even myopia (nearsightedness). Set time limits for screen usage and encourage breaks every 20 minutes using the "20-20-20 rule".

2. Encourage outdoor play

Spending at least 1-2 hours outdoors daily has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia in children. Natural light and long-distance focusing help develop healthy vision, so outdoor games, cycling, or nature walks are highly beneficial.

3. Eye-friendly lighting

Ensure your child reads or does homework in well-lit environments. Poor lighting can strain the eyes and lead to headaches and fatigue. Natural daylight or bright but soft artificial lighting is best for reducing eye stress.

4. Maintain proper reading distance

Teach your child to keep books or screens at least 12–16 inches away from their eyes. Holding items too close can contribute to eye strain and increase the risk of developing nearsightedness.

5. Incorporate eye exercises

Simple eye exercises like blinking frequently, rolling the eyes, or shifting focus from near to far can strengthen the eye muscles and reduce fatigue especially helpful after study or screen time.

6. Promote nutritious diets

Foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (like carrots, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, eggs, nuts, and fish) help support healthy eye function and reduce the risk of vision loss.

7. Ensure good sleep habits

Adequate sleep is vital for eye health. Lack of rest can cause dry, tired eyes and poor visual performance. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine to allow their eyes and brain to recharge properly.

8. Encourage hydration

Dry eyes can result from dehydration. Ensure your child drinks enough water throughout the day to keep their eyes moisturised and comfortable, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

9. Teach proper eye hygiene

Kids often rub their eyes with dirty hands, which can lead to infections like conjunctivitis. Encourage clean hands, discourage eye rubbing, and teach the importance of not sharing towels or eye drops.

10. Schedule regular eye checkups

Many vision problems are silent in the early stages. Routine eye exams can help detect and address issues like lazy eye, strabismus, or uncorrected refractive errors early, boosting both vision and academic performance.

By integrating these small but powerful habits into your child's daily life, you can foster not just better eye health but also improved concentration, learning, and confidence.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.