Our eyes are essential for navigating the world around us. But unfortunately, many of us take our eye health for granted until problems arise. While corrective lenses and surgeries can help improve vision, there are also natural ways to enhance our eyesight. In this blog, we’ll explore natural ways to improve your vision and promote eye health.
From adjusting your screen settings to eating a diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients, we’ll cover a range of strategies for protecting and improving your eyesight. So whether you’re a frequent screen user or just looking for ways to support your eye health, read on for tips and advice that you can implement today.
Don’t Smoke.
Smoking is harmful to our health in many ways, including having a negative impact on our vision. In fact, smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts, damage to the optic nerve, and macular degeneration, which are serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss.
Although it’s difficult, quitting smoking is a very good way to improve vision and overall health. It’s not uncommon to struggle with quitting, and if you’ve tried in the past, don’t be discouraged. Consider reaching out to your doctor for support and guidance on quitting smoking.
Eat Well.
Maintaining good eye health can be greatly influenced by the food we consume. Including nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E in your diet can help prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
To incorporate these nutrients into your meals, focus more on eating these foods:
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards
- Oily fish, such as salmon and tuna
- Nonmeat protein sources like eggs, nuts, and beans
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Oysters and pork
A balanced diet not only contributes to good eye health but also helps maintain a healthy weight, lowering the risk of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, which can lead to vision loss.
Wear Sunglasses.
Another way to improve your eye health and protect your vision is to wear sunglasses when outside. Overexposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, so it’s important to choose sunglasses that offer adequate protection. Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays for the best protection.
Wraparound lenses can provide extra coverage to protect your eyes from the side. While polarized lenses reduce glare, they may not necessarily give you more protection from UV rays. If you wear contact lenses, some options offer UV protection, but it’s still recommended to wear sunglasses.
Take Computer Breaks.
If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer or phone screen, it can negatively affect your eye health. Staring at a screen for long periods can lead to eyestrain, blurry vision, trouble focusing at a distance, dry eyes, headaches, and neck, back, and shoulder pain.
To protect your eyes from these effects, consider taking the following steps:
- Keep your prescription up to date
- Ensure your prescription is suitable for looking at a computer screen
- If you experience eye strain, talk to your doctor about computer glasses
- Adjust the screen so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor
- Minimize glare from windows and lights by using an anti-glare screen
- Choose a comfortable and supportive chair and keep your feet flat on the floor
- If you experience dry eyes, try blinking more frequently or using artificial tears
Take regular breaks to rest your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Additionally, stand up and take a 15-minute break every two hours.
Use Protective Eyewear.
Our last tip to naturally improve eye health and vision is to always use protective eyewear. Whether at work or at home, exposure to hazardous or airborne materials can be detrimental to your eye health. If you handle dangerous materials, it’s essential to wear protective eyewear like safety glasses or goggles.
Similarly, if you play sports, like ice hockey, racquetball, or lacrosse, you should wear the appropriate safety gear. Since they pose a risk of eye injury, wearing appropriate eye protection like helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses can help safeguard your eyes.
Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
By incorporating these measures into your life, you can take natural steps toward improving your vision and overall health. You should also get regular eye exams and visit your eye doctor as needed. Regular trips to the eye doctor can keep your eyes in optimal condition and prevent potential issues. Plus, managing your eye conditions properly helps improve vision and overall health.
Take care of your precious eyesight!
Schedule your next eye exam at Hakim Optical.
Hakim Optical has provided Canadians with quality corrective lenses at a value that can’t be beat for over 55 years. Our knowledgeable staff and optometrists are here to help you find an eyewear solution tailored specifically to you.
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