VisionPlus India

grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will provide them with a wide range of essential nutrients for overall eye health. It is important to note that while a nutritious diet supports eye health, it cannot reverse or prevent myopia on its own. Regular eye exams and following proper eye care practices are equally important for maintaining good vision in children with myopia. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES In addition to optical interventions, lifestyle modifications can be beneficial. Encouraging outdoor activities and reducing screen time are crucial steps in preventing myopia progression. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors, especially in natural light, can have a protective effect against myopia. Between gaming, watching TV and movies, and doing school work, kids ages 8 to 18 spend more than seven hours a day looking at their laptops, phones and tablet. While we can’t eliminate screen time entirely, we can encourage our children to spend more time outside. Since myopia is primarily diagnosed in school-age children, exposure to the outdoor environment plays an important role in a child’s life with the potential to affect the progression of myopia. Increased time spent outdoors by children can slow myopia progression and may decrease the risk of new myopia onset by 50%. Myopia in kids is a prevalent condition that can have a significant impact on children's vision, academic performance, and overall well-being. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing appropriate management strategies, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals can help protect children's eye health. use of corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These optical devices help children see clearly by correcting the refractive error. Another option is orthokeratology, where special rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This method provides clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. A low dose of atropine eye drops are used to dilate the pupils during an eye exam may help slow down myopia in children between 5 and 18 years old. NUTRIENTS AND FOODS Foods rich in vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc promote eye health by supporting retinal function, reducing inflammation, protecting against macular degeneration, and maintaining healthy blood vessels. Encouraging children to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole 46 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION