As one of the five senses humans are born with, eyesight is important for the smooth functioning of one’s life on a day-to-day basis.

This is especially true for children, as a child’s overall development is dependent on having clear vision. This is how they discover the world around them and learn, particularly when at school.

Here are some tips to help maintain proper eye function, especially in children.

1. Implement good habits

Starting kids early on good daily habits is the key to preserving their eyesight.

• Ensure reading materials are kept at a comfortable 30 cm from their eyes. If you find that your child is holding her head too closely to a book or toy, this may be an indication that she has a problem with her sight. Have her eyes checked immediately.

• Limit time spent on handphones, laptops, and the television. One hour or one and a half hours daily playing video games for example, is acceptable. When using handphones, computers or watching TV, ensure their eyes are a comfortable distance away from the screen.

• Ensure they relax their eyes after spending one hour in front of the computer or television screen.

• Encourage outdoor activities. This takes their mind off playing video games, and watching cartoons on TV.

2. Eat a diet that supports eye health

To prevent or control the condition of myopia, ensure your children consume a nutrient-rich diet.

• Vitamin A: Tomato, carrot, jackfruit, egg yolks.

• Carotene: Cabbage, green peas, sweet potatoes.

• Beef, liver, peas, mushrooms.

• Calcium: Shrimp, ocean fish, milk, eggs.

3. Manage stress levels

Stress can tire eyes. Children with lots of schoolwork to complete can become high strung, causing the nerves in their eyes to be strained under all that pressure.

4. Maintain eye hygiene

• Ensure your child uses shades whenever she’s outside. This helps protect her eyes from dust, UV-rays, and air pollution.

• Always make sure she has a clean handkerchief to wipe her face. Avoid sharing or using someone else’s handkerchief.

• Stop your child from rubbing her eyes with her hand. There are colonies of bacteria on one’s hands, and these can easily be transmitted to the eye and cause infections.

• Use medicated eye washes frequently. If your child’s eyes are itchy, remind them to use an eyewash instead of rubbing the eyes. If itching persists, consult your doctor immediately.

● Go for regular eye check-ups.

This article first appeared on Hello Doktor. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.