Healthy eyesight is rare these days thanks to unhealthy diet and dependency on technologies like iPad and computers. Everyone has power glasses including children. Poor eyesight is a common issue in most children these days. It is worrying if your child has high specs number at such tender age. However, there are natural ways to improve your child’s eyesight.
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Natural Ways to Improve Your Child’s Eyesight
1. Leafy veggies
Green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin A and promote healthy eyesight in children. They contain carotenoids who help in maintaining a healthy retina. These veggies are also rich in antioxidants that protect your child’s eyes from harmful rays of the sun. It also reduces the photo stress recovery time and increases visual range of your child. Add some spinach, kale or broccoli to your child’s daily diet and help him have better sight.
2. Exercise
Eye exercises are very important to improve the blood circulation around your eye area and relax them. Looking into the television screen or computer screen for long hours can strain your child’s eyesight. Even spending time outdoors under the sun can harm the delicate retina of your child. To reduce such stress and relax, eye exercises are essential. Eye exercises are safe to perform and helps your child have stronger eyes over time.
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3. Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are rich in Vitamin C which fortifies your eye health. Regular consumption of these fruits reduces the risk of cataract in your child. If your child is experiencing acute or chronic loss of vision, a diet rich in citrus fruits can improve his condition or prevent such situations.
4. Fish oil
Fish oil is rich in DHA which is a fatty acid that’s also found in our eye retina. Low levels of DHA can cause dry eyes symptom which can disturb your child’s eyesight. Add a slice of salmon, tuna or mackerel to your child’s lunch bowl to strengthen his eyesight. You can find fish oil supplements for children in any pharmacy shop.
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5. Vitamin supplements
Poor nutrition due to poor eating habits can lead to poor eyesight in your child. If your child refuses to eat vegetables and fruits, power up his meals with vitamin supplements. There are multivitamin syrups available in the market that make up for the vitamin deficit. Delicious food supplements in the form of shakes are also available that your child will love to have.
6. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are not only tasty munchies for your little one but also rich in Vitamin A and zinc that protect your child’s eyes from eyesight issues like cataract. Flax seeds, almonds, chia seeds and cashew can do wonders for your child’s eyesight. Pack them in your child’s snack box or blend them into a smoothie!
7. Resting
Well-rested eyes are always the healthiest! If your child loves reading or watching television, you need to make sure he/she is also getting ample rest. If the eyes are put to work for long time, they get stressed and strained. Make sure you remind your child to rest every ten minutes of continuous reading or using the TV or computer.
8. Colorful veggies
Colorful vegetables like carrots, radishes and tomatoes not only make the plate look good but are also rich in vitamins and carotenoids that are healthy for your child’s eyes. They prevent eye diseases like cataract and macular degeneration. If your child is suffering from long or short sightedness, regular consumption of these vegetables can improve the condition.
9. Whole grains
Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat are rich in zinc. Zinc is an essential element for healthy eyes. Instead of white carbohydrates like plain rice, pasta and white bread, include more whole grains in your child’s diet to make sure he/she is getting the required amount of zinc for healthy eyes. Whole grains are also rich in Vitamin E and niacin which are required for healthy sight.
10. Eggs
Eggs are not only rich in vitamins and proteins but also in a special carotenoid called lutein. Lutein prevents macular degeneration and blindness. Human body can absorb lutein from eggs better than from leafy vegetables. If you child does not like the smell of boiled eggs, you can cook him/her an omelette or soup out of them for tasty and healthy inclusion of eggs in the diet.
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11. Legumes
Legumes are rich source of zinc and bioflavonoids which promote healthy eyesight and protect the retina from damage in children. Kidney beans, black-eyed peas and lentils are great examples of legumes that you can include in your child’s diet.
Apart from a healthy diet and exercises, it is important to get your child’s eyes checked regularly to stay updated about his/her eye health. It is also important to eat healthy and organic fruits and vegetables to avoid any kind of toxicity that can affect eye sight.
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