Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Vision

You use a brush to clean your teeth and wear sunscreen to protect your skin, but how do you maintain healthy vision? Because your ability to see is so important, it is more than worth taking a few extra minutes to consider how well you treat your eyes.

As one of the essential parts of your body, your eyes are precious.  Keeping them healthy should be a priority no matter what age you may be. Keep reading to learn a few do’s and don’ts to follow for healthy vision.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise

What you eat affects almost every part of your body, and that includes your eyes. A balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables provides the nutrients your eyes need.

Eating a diet that has as few processed foods in it as possible can help reduce your risk of developing age-related conditions. Consume plenty of green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, and other oily fish.

Such foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Be sure to drink lots of water, too, as being dehydrated can lead to symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

A healthy diet also promotes a healthy weight. An unhealthy weight can increase your likelihood of developing diabetes, which may result in eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy.

Another effective method of maintaining the right weight for your body is to exercise regularly. A habit as simple as a daily walk can go a long way towards helping you stay active.

Wear Protective Glasses

The decision to wear sunglasses should not only be made based on fashion or personal preference. It is always wise to use sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV rays.

Prolonged exposure can increase your risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. Choose high-quality sunglasses that block out 99–100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation.

You should always protect your eyes when performing any physical activities. For example, take care when you are playing a sport or making repairs around your home. This lowers the possibility of getting foreign debris, such as dust or dirt, in your eyes.

Reduce Your Screen Time

It can be easy to use the computer, watch TV, or look through your smartphone and lose track of time. For the sake of your eyes, try not to spend too long looking at a digital device without a break.

To reduce eye strain when using the computer, sit at least a few feet away from the screen and adjust the brightness to reduce any glare. It is also a good idea to position the screen slightly downwards at a ten to fifteen-degree angle.

As recommended by the American Optometric Association, use the 20/20/20 rule. Every twenty minutes, look away from the screen, focusing on an object at least twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds. Set a timer to remind yourself to take these routine breaks.

When you’re following the 20/20/20 rule, this is also a great time to use eye drops or artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated. You can also take a minute to remember to blink. Your blink rate decreases when you’re using digital devices.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

When was the last time you saw your eye doctor for an eye exam? If you take care of your eyes, you will maintain your ability to see now and in the future.