Good eye health is essential, and regular eye exams are one of many ways to ensure it.
Most people think about their eyesight only when something seems wrong. However, several things can be done to improve one’s vision and avoid injuries or illnesses that could impair it.
Here are a few things a person can do.
Get Enough Vitamins and Minerals
Antioxidants found in vitamins A, C, and E and zinc can prevent macular degeneration. These essential nutrients are found in various colorful vegetables and fruits, including carrots, broccoli, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, such as salmon and flaxseed, are also recommended for improved eye health.
Don’t Overlook the Carotenoids
A few other nutrients are also important in improving vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids found in the retina, are among them. They are also found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, zucchini, and eggs.
These carotenoids protect the macula by increasing pigment density and absorbing UV and blue light.
Stay in Shape
Type 2 diabetes can harm the tiny blood vessels in the eyes and cause diabetic retinopathy. It causes blood and fluid to leak into the eye from the tiny arteries in the retina, impairing vision. Exercise and eating a healthy diet can both benefit the eyes.
Having blood sugar levels checked regularly and staying active reduces the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Manage Chronic Conditions
High blood pressure and multiple sclerosis are two conditions that can impair vision. Chronic inflammation has been linked to these conditions.
Optic nerve inflammation, for example, can result in pain and even total vision loss. While multiple sclerosis cannot be prevented, it can be managed through healthy habits and medications.
Wear Safety Glasses
Whether working in the garage or conducting a science experiment at school, one must wear proper eyewear.
If there is a chance that chemicals, sharp objects, or materials such as wood shavings or metal shards will enter one’s eye, one must wear tough, protective eyewear.
Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is one of the most important things for improving vision. Sunglasses should entirely or nearly completely block out UVA and UVB rays from sunlight.
Sunglasses help protect eyes from diseases caused by eye damage. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium are examples of these conditions. Wearing a hat with a wide brim can also protect the eyes from sun damage.
Apply the 20-20-20 Rule
The eyes work hard all day, and they deserve a break now and then. The strain can be especially severe if one works on a computer for long periods. Use the 20-20-20 rule to reduce stress. Every 20 minutes, take a break from the computer and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Find out About the Family’s Eye Health History
Knowing which eye conditions one’s parents or grandparents had can help take preventative measures since some eye conditions are genetic.
Hereditary conditions include:
– Glaucoma
– Retinal degeneration
– Age-related macular degeneration
– Optic atrophy
