While our vision naturally changes over time, many of our lifestyle choices may be creating or worsening eye problems. Making healthier everyday choices in the ways we eat, work and play can go a long way to protecting our vision for years to come.
10 tips for healthy eyesight
Wear sunglasses
Sunlight is great for us in many ways, but too much sunlight can be harmful, especially when it comes to our eyes. One way to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses with protective ultraviolet (UV) lenses, even on cloudy days.
Be aware of the glare
The sun’s UV rays come from many directions, not just the sun. They are reflected from the ground, water, snow and other bright surfaces. In addition to sunglasses, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap to keep peripheral rays from reaching your eyes.
Don’t look at the sun
You’ve heard it before and it’s true. Looking at the sun with the naked eye for even a short time – even if it’s partially covered by the moon — can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to your eyes.
Quit tobacco for healthier vision
Smoking or vaping tobacco hurts more than your lungs, it can damage your eyes, too. Smoking significantly increases your risk for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
Safety first
An easy way to keep your eyes safe is to use protective eyewear whenever you’re playing sports, doing home repairs, using chemicals, gardening or other activities that pose a risk for dust and debris getting into your eyes.
Take breaks from blue light
Repeated long exposure to blue light from digital devices such as smart phones, TVs and computers can lead to blurry vision, eye strain and dry eye. Rest your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule: Take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Eat healthy
A healthy diet is an effective way to keep eye issues from happening or worsening. According to AARP, foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, eggs, carrots and dark, leafy vegetables) can boost your vision and eye function.
Get active
Exercise helps you stay healthy and strong by delivering nutrients and blood to the entire body, including the eyes. Getting active 30 minutes a day, four to five days a week, can help.
Know your numbers
Managing your weight, blood sugar and blood pressure is vital to your overall health — and the health of your eyes. Being overweight contributes to inflammation that’s linked to a range of metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that can cause eye health or vision problems.
Get regular eye exams
It’s important to get regular eye exams even if your vision is excellent. Going to an eye care professional for regular eye exams can help catch potential eye problems early on before they become serious.
To learn more, read our blog Protect Your Eyes with These 4 Tips.
