Studies show that spending at least two hours a day outdoors reduces the risk of myopia in children. Natural light helps the eye develop properly, and outdoor activities allow the eyes to rest from near vision.

Tip: Plan regular family outings, such as walks, outdoor play, or sports activities.

B. Limit Screen Time

Although screens are now part of children's daily lives, it is recommended to limit their screen time to avoid eye strain. In particular, young children should spend as little time as possible in front of screens, and for teenagers, it is recommended to avoid exceeding two hours of recreational screen time per day.

Tip: Establish a daily "screen-free time," for example, one hour before bedtime, and encourage screen-free activities such as reading, board games, or arts and crafts.

C. Apply the 20-20-20 Rule

To reduce eye strain during close-up work, the 20-20-20 rule is simple and effective: every 20 minutes, have your child look at an object 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This short break helps relax the eye muscles and prevent visual stress.

Tip: Set a timer or alarm to remind children to take regular breaks when working or playing on a screen.

D. Ensure Good Lighting

Good lighting reduces eye strain during close-up activities. Avoid having your child read or do homework in insufficient or excessively bright light. Indirect, well-distributed lighting is ideal to avoid reflections and glare.

E. Take Regular Breaks from Homework

Long work sessions, such as homework, can strain the eyes. It's recommended to take a 5- to 10-minute break every 30 minutes of close-up work to relax the eyes. Take this opportunity to encourage your child to walk or look into the distance, which helps reduce eye strain.

F. Do Eye Exercises

Eye exercises can also help prevent eye strain. Here's a simple exercise you can practice with your child:

• Ask them to look at a nearby object (e.g., a pen) for 5 seconds, then look at a distant object for 5 seconds.
• Repeat this exercise 10 times to strengthen their eyes' focusing ability.

The Importance of Regular Eye Health Checks

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and treating Myopia early. Optometrists can identify the early signs of Myopia and recommend appropriate management options. Generally, an exam every two years is recommended, but it may be more frequent if the child shows signs of Myopia.

A. Myopia Management Options

If your child is diagnosed with Myopia, several management options can slow its progression:

• Myopia Management Contact Lenses: Special contact lenses, such as orthokeratology (orthok) lenses, can slow the progression of Myopia by temporarily reshaping the cornea overnight.
• Special Eyeglass Lenses: Some eyeglasses use special lenses to slow the progression of Myopia.
• Atropine eye drops: This prescription-strength treatment has shown positive effects in slowing the progression of Myopia in children.

Creating a Favorable Environment for Good Vision

A healthy visual environment also helps protect your child's vision. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

• Choose ergonomic furniture for a comfortable position during near-field activities, with the screen or book approximately 40-50 cm from your eyes.
• Adapt workspaces to allow for a relaxed posture, especially for extended study sessions.
• Maintain a balanced diet, rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3, which contribute to eye health.

Myopia in children and adolescents is an increasingly common phenomenon, but by adopting simple habits and encouraging healthy visual hygiene, it is possible to prevent it and slow its progression. By encouraging outdoor activities, reducing screen time, and ensuring good lighting, you're helping your child protect their vision for the future. Adding regular breaks and eye exercises, combined with eye exams, allows for proactive eye care. Eye health is precious, and every little bit helps!