There are many things you can do to protect your child’s vision and help them see clearly from birth through teen years.

What can i do to protect my child’s VISION?

• Eat right during pregnancy and after.
• Give your child nutritious meals with fruits and vegetables, nuts and up to 12 ounces a week of fish. These foods contain antioxidants and key nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc which are linked to eye health.
• Give the child age-appropriate toys that are free of sharp edges.
• Give the child toys that aids in visual development.
• Offer sun protection to the eyes when outside.
• Watch your baby for signs of crossed eye.
• Make sure your child wears eye protection appropriate for whatever sport they are playing.
• Children should not be near fireworks of any kind.

How can i develop my baby’s vision ?

You can also develop your child’s vision by doing following.

• Place toys within focus of your baby’s eyes, only 8 to 12 inches away.
• Encourage your baby to crawl. This helps with hand – eye coordination.
• Hang a mobile above or outside your baby’s crib.
• Talk to your baby as you move around the room so that his eyes will follow you.
• Give your baby toys to hold and visualize.
• Have  your child’s eyes examined regularly, particularly during infancy and childhood.

As your baby becomes active, encourage good vision by providing visually stimulating toys that will improve motor and eye-hand coordination skills. These include:

• puzzles
• building blocks
• drawing tools like crayons and chalk
• modeling clay

If you have any concerns about your child’s vision, contact your doctor.

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