How to protect the eyesight of children and teenagers
During the cold winter months, children and teenagers spend more time in front of the television, computer and cell phone, which increases the strain on the eyes. Therefore, adolescents and the parents of children should pay attention to certain things, especially during this time, to prevent myopia.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR?
Squint eyes
Long squinting of the eyes causes eye muscle fatigue and can accelerate the progression of myopia
Constant rubbing of eyes
Children with myopia often rub their eyes when they see blurry. Another indication of decreased eyesight.
Frequent blinking
Short-sighted children often rub their eyes, which can lead to chronic conjunctivitis and corneal damage.
Short distances
Children who bend forward unconsciously when looking at the television or a display often suffer from diminishing eyesight.
Pulling the corner of the eye
Children do like this just because it can temporarily improve eyesight through flatten the corneal while the refractive power changed, but it will increase the astigmatism of the child over time.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
Children under 2 years: technical devices are not recommended.
Children aged 2 to 6 years: less than 20 minutes at a time, less than 1 hour a day.
Children aged 6 to 8 years: less than 40 minutes at a time, less than 1 hour a day.
When using technical devices (cell phone, Playstation, etc.), the children should keep a distance at least 33 to 40 centimeters from the screen. At the same time, parents should give their children an example, reducing the time and frequency of using technical devices in front of their children.
Application of the 30/10 ratio
After looking at the phone or computer for 30 minutes, you should look into the distance for about 10 minutes. The “lens” in the eye plays a role similar to the focusing of a camera that automatically focuses according to the needs of our eyes. If the eye focuses on a nearby object for a long time, the lens and ciliary muscles become tense, making myopia even worse.
Enough sunlight
Studies have shown that sunlight stimulates the body to produce dopamine. The messenger substance, it is suspected, slows down the length of the eyeball and thus prevents myopia. In addition, sunlight promotes the release of vitamin D, which increases the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium can strengthen the sclera and protect the eyes better. Therefore, children and teenagers should avoid reading in places with poor light. At the same time, parents should be aware that an excessive amount of blue light emitted by blue lights or LEDs can damage their children’s retinas.
Adequate sleep and healthy eating
Ensuring adequate sleep and a balanced diet rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins are good means of preventing and controlling myopia. Vitamins A, C and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc and carotene are essential for eye health. Kale, spinach, carrots, tuna and broccoli contain vitamin A, kale, chard, and spinach are rich in calcium.
Frequent hand washing without rubbing your eyes
Rubbing the eyes causes bacteria to enter the eyes, which can lead to allergic reactions and inflammation. Regular and thorough hand washing also reduces the possibility of inflammation.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO CORRECT MYOPIA
According to the “Consensus of Experts on Refractive Correction for Children” published by the ophthalmological department of the Chinese Medical Association, there are the following options for correcting eyesight:
Optical correction: glasses or contact lenses
Medications: low concentration of 0.01% atropine
Outdoor activities. It is recommended to spend at least two to three hours a day in the fresh air to counter harmful effects.
Early detection, early treatment.
For children with myopia, early detection and early treatment is necessary, early treatment can avoid developing into high myopia, as well as a series of complications caused by high myopia.
In special epidemic times, Dr. Jørgensen’s team of ophthalmologists would like to remind all parents and children of being careful with their eyes. Let’s work together to fight the epidemic, use our eyes scientifically, and prevent and control myopia.
In addition, in order to help adults “take off the glasses” and correct their vision as soon as possible, EuroEyes surgeons recommend that you may consider ReLEx smile or ICL surgery.
About EuroEyes
The EuroEyes Clinic Group is a globally successful company that was founded 26 years ago in Hamburg and has its headquarters there until today. In addition to locations throughout Germany, EuroEyes is also represented in China and Denmark. The company offers patients the full range of refractive surgery for the correction of visual disorders. Using state-of-the-art eye laser and lens surgery procedures, EuroEyes treats more than 25,000 patients each year with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia or cataract. The treatment enables the start of a life free of glasses and contact lenses without any impairment of visual quality.
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