According to the World Health Organization, uncorrected refractive errors and un-operated cataracts are the top two causes of vision impairment. Furthermore, approximately 253 million people live with vision impairment, while 217 million have moderate to severe vision impairment. These rather disturbing numbers should make us think twice before we decide to spend hours in front of the computer, indulge in unhealthy food, start smoking, or go out without our sunglasses during sunny days. So, if you want to keep your vision intact, here are a few tips.
Eat well
A healthy diet is vital for healthy eyes, so make sure you have a sufficient intake of vitamins that will protect your vision. Kale is rich in lutein, a vitamin that helps delay the onset of cataracts. Dry eyes can cause a lot of discomfort, so try to eat food rich in Omega-3, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, to reduce the risk of this problem. Poultry, milk and cheese contain plenty of zinc, which also promotes good vision, so try to eat as much meat and dairy as you can in order to protect your eyes.
Don’t smoke
Optic nerve damage, cataracts and macular degeneration are some of the potential eye problems that smoking can cause. Furthermore, not only does smoking jeopardize your eye vision, but it also harms your entire body. Therefore, it’s best to quit smoking, or never start with the bad habit in the first place. You’ll save yourself the money, prevent various types of cancer, asthma, numerous respiratory system problems and make sure your vision is protected.
Have an eye exam
You may not even notice that your vision is slightly impaired, but the doctor will know. Visiting an optometrist regularly will help you detect any eye problem, leaving you with improved vision as well. Taking an eye test from time to time is the best way to find out if you may have developed a cataract or any other severe eye problem, and Broadway eye care professionals will perform all the necessary check-ups in detail.
Wear protective eyewear
Not only are sunglasses a stylish accessory, but they are also perfect for protecting your vision from the damaging effects of the sun. If you are exposed to ultraviolet light for too long, you may end up with retinal burning and even go blind. Therefore, make sure to wear your favourite shades on bright days. Invest in sunglasses with the CE standard mark, because they’re the safest for your eyes. Furthermore, don’t forget to wear sunglasses even during winter, because snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s natural UV light, causing snow blindness.
Stay in shape
Exophthalmos, thyroid eye disease, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and cataracts have been closely connected to obesity, which is one of the main reasons you should pay attention to your weight. Staying active, running, going to the gym and exercising on a daily basis will prevent the weight gain and keep you healthy and vigorous, so always make time for physical activity.
Limit the computer time
Spending too much time in front of the computer or phone can cause dry eyes, blurry vision and eyestrain. Therefore, try not to stare at the screens for too long, or if your job requires you to work for hours on your computer, make sure you take several 20-second breaks every 20 minutes to rest your eyes. Position your computer screen 20 to 24 inches from your eyes, to reduce the influence of the monitor light.
Final thoughts
Our eyesight is one of the most important senses, so it’s vital that we take care of it. Regular check-ups with an optometrist, a healthy diet, and protective eyewear are just some of the ways we can protect it. You should also avoid smoking, stay in shape, and spend as little time as possible in front of the computer if you want to have an impeccable eyesight.
