When school is out for winter break, kids often dive into screen time, holiday movies and new digital gifts. While this downtime is fun and well-earned, it’s also the perfect opportunity for parents to help kids build lasting habits that support healthy vision all year long.
Establish Healthier Screen Time
There’s no getting around the fact that digital screens are a permanent part of kids’ daily life. And, with more time at home over winter break, screen use tends to jump – whether it’s video games or streaming shows. To protect your child’s visual comfort:
- Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Keep screens about an arm’s length away.
- Make sure rooms are well-lit to reduce glare and eye strain.
Encourage Outdoor Activities
Temperatures drop during winter break, which leads to kids staying in more. However, spending time outdoors is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the onset and progression of nearsightedness. While researchers are still studying the exact mechanisms, experts believe the exposure to bright natural light plays a protective role. Bundle up and take advantage of the winter weather by sledding, building a snowman or taking a walk to see the pretty holiday lights in your neighborhood. Even just 30 minutes a day can make a difference!
As a safety note, winter sun can still be harsh! If it’s a bright day, remember to have your children wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield their eyes from harmful rays and potential snow glare.
Prioritize Proper Lighting and Reading Habits
Kids may not be focusing on homework during their winter break, but they still have a lot of opportunity for close-up activities. When reading, doing crafts, or building holiday projects, make sure kids have bright, even lighting. Avoid reading in dim light or while lying on their side, as both can cause unnecessary eye fatigue.
Recommend Vision-Healthy Snacks
Good nutrition is vital for healthy vision, so winter break is the perfect time to get kids involved in making smart choices for snacks that are packed with eye-friendly nutrients. Vitamins C and E, Zinc, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are all essential, and can be found in healthy snack options like carrots and bell peppers, walnuts and almonds, Greek yogurt with berries, or trail mix.
Schedule Winter Break Eye Exams
The end of the year is an ideal time to check one last thing off your to-do list: your child’s annual eye exam! With fewer school commitments and a more relaxed attitude, it’s easier to get a proper check-up in before classes resume in January. Making time for their exam shows your commitment to supporting their vision needs and helps them to understand the importance of taking care of their vision all year long.
Visit Family Vision Development Center for Continued Healthy Vision
At Family Vision Development Center, we understand that every child’s eyes are unique. Our team provides comprehensive eye exams, vision therapy, and specialized care for children with visual processing or developmental vision concerns. Winter break is the perfect time to make sure your child’s vision is supporting their learning, comfort and confidence. Contact us today at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment and give your child the gift of clear, healthy sight that lasts long after the holidays.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.