Caring for your toddler’s eyes

Our eyes are incredibly special. Your toddler's eyesight has been developing continuously since birth^[1] and is now becoming able to adjust to near and far vision and focus on shapes and objects.^[2] Their vision will resemble that of an adult within the next few years^[3] as more anatomical changes take place. 

Here are a few tips to help keep your toddler on a healthy eye development journey:

1. Offer them a range of foods that include: Green vegetables, fish, chicken and turkey, eggs, nuts, seeds and oils, beans and pulses, firm tofu, citrus fruits and berries, oatmeal and fortified breakfast cereal.^[4] 

These foods provide a good range of vitamins and minerals that help keep eyes healthy. Consider any food issues or medical requirements your toddler may have when planning meal ideas. 

2. Where possible, help your toddler maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can cause health issues, like diabetes, which affect the eyes.^[5]

3. Wear sunglasses or glasses with a built-in UV filter. Keeping eyes protected from the sun's harmful UV rays helps keep them healthy.

4. Keep your toddler away from cleaning products. This reduces the chance of eye damage from chemicals.^[6]

5. Find time to play outdoors – this can help the muscles in your toddler’s eyes relax.

6. Encourage your toddler to play games. Ball games, drawing and painting, jigsaws and playing hide and seek all encourage the development of vision.

7. Limit time on screens. If your toddler uses a screen, set time limitations that are appropriate for their age and encourage them to take breaks during their allotted daily use time.  

8. Have good sleep. The body recharges while sleeping, and the same is true for eyes.^[7]

9. Protect your toddler’s eyes from dirt. Encourage them to wash their hands after playing in dirt, sand or even after painting and eating. Germs can enter the eye through dirt^[8] and also some types of dirt, like sand and dog poo, can cause irritation and potential further issues.

10. When they start school, take them for regular eye checks. 

References: 

[1] Zimmermann, A., Monteiro de Carvalho, K.M., Atihe, C., Vieira Zimmermann, S.M., Leme de Moura Ribeiro, V. (2019) Visual development in children aged 0 to 6 years. SciELO. 

[2] Lazarus, R. (2020) Vision Development and Milestones. Optometrists Network. 

[3] Healthline. (2020) All About Baby Vision Development. 

[4] Benenden Hospital UK. (2021) Do Carrots Improve Eyesight? 9 Good Foods for Eye Health.  

[5] Royal National Institute of Blind People. Looking after your eyes. 

[6] Mukamal, R. (2022) 20 Things to Know About Children's Eyes and Vision. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

[7] Sorensen, T. (2022) How Important Is a Full Night’s Sleep for Eye Health? Rebuild Your Vision. 

[8] Professor Hallux with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. (2016) What Do Sunglasses Do? Fun Kids Live.