Navigating your autistic child’s health is one of the most important roles of parents and to me, the most intimidating one. Many aspects of your autistic child’s well-being can go unnoticed but eye health should not be one of them..
Eye problems like myopia (short-sightedness), hypertropia (far-sightedness), astigmatism, and lazy eye are common in all kids, so it’s paramount that they get the proper care for better eye health and vision. Taking care of your autistic one’s eyes is crucial for healthy development.
Four essential tips to ensure your child’s eyes get the TLC they need
Let them wear sunglasses when outdoors
Children’s eyes continue to develop until they reach the age of 10. Before that, they can’t filter out UV rays as well as adults, so prolonged sun exposure without protection can cause sunburns on the eyes and lead to eye conditions in adulthood. Sunglasses are a must for your little one, no matter the season.
A good quality pair with 100% UVA and UVB protection is the best option, as toy or novelty sunglasses may not offer such protection and can further harm your child’s eyes. Fortunately, top eyewear brands Ray-Ban Junior and Oakley Youth offer many prescription sunglasses, giving you and your child many options.
The Oakley Youth Flak or the Ray-Ban Junior RJ9052S New Wayfarer are stylish, fun, and available with prescription lenses. Motivate your child to wear shades by leading by example and wearing your own sunglasses.
Provide a nutritious diet
Your child’s diet is vital to eye health as well as their overall well-being. An assortment of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E can promote healthy eyes and bodies.
Kale, bell peppers, and citrus fruits are top sources of Vitamin C for more antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which maintain eye function, can be found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Lutein and zeaxanthin guard against blue light from the sun and devices; spinach, egg yolks, and green peas provide this essential nutrient.
Experiment with various dishes and ingredients to find the foods your child loves, or try to incorporate one of these foods into your daily meals so they can consume a healthy intake of them.
Limit screen time
Children’s digital device usage is becoming a significant concern, especially when it comes to eye health. Increasing screen time among children is linked to the growing epidemic of myopia among the youth.
The eyeball can elongate when the eyes focus primarily on nearby objects – like screens – causing myopia. To ensure your child’s eyes develop properly, limit screen time as much as possible.
Establish tech-free times or zones to encourage kids to look away from their devices; prohibiting using tablets or phones during meals or an hour before bedtime can help. You can also engage in screen-free playtime, allowing the eyes to exercise properly while bonding with them.
Encourage outdoor playtime
In line with the issue of increased screen time, less outdoor play also contributes to eye issues like myopia. With more close-up activities and less dopamine from staying inside, your child’s risk of developing short-sightedness and other eye conditions increases.
Spending time outside helps promote healthy vision by enabling the eyes to focus on further distances. Your child can get used to adapting to various visual ranges and slow the progression of myopia by playing outdoors.
Get outside with your kids as much as possible. Play sports or games, take walks, bike, or garden to promote more outdoor time with your little one. A little under two hours a day of outside play can boost and preserve your child’s eye health. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen and shades before heading out!
