As we age, we feel the effects throughout our bodies—the health of the eye is no different. In the past decade, according to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3.4 million Americans aged 40 years and older were blind or visually impaired, and at least 21 million were affected by other vision-related illnesses.
It is crucial that you keep your eyes healthy, especially if you have a history of poor eyesight in your family. Though aging and genetics are out of your control, there are some things that you can do to preserve and protect your vision—even those who already wear glasses or contact lenses.
1. Buy the Right Sunglasses
The
American
Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that too much exposure to
the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural sunlight, even the artificial rays
from tanning booths or sunlamps, can damage the eye’s surface tissues and the
cornea over time.
To
prevent this, wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection (for different
sunlight sensitivities). Some even block 99–100 percent of the rays. If you
wear contacts, some models offer UV filters. You can even adopt this type of
lens with sunglasses, thus adding an extra layer of protection.
2. Get Your Vitamins
Eye
health is also influenced by nutrition. Just by changing your daily diet, you
can contribute to healthy vision.
Here
are the vitamins that can impact your vision health:
●
Vitamin
A–
Found in carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins, and green leafy vegetables like spinach
and kale, this vitamin keeps the cornea clear and healthy.
●
Vitamin
C–
Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, broccoli, pineapples, and cauliflower
are sources of oxidants, which can delay the onset of cataracts.
●
Vitamin
E–
Dark vegetables, dried fruits, and oily fish (like salmon and tuna) are rich in
vitamin E and omega-3, which help protect cell membranes.
●
Vitamin
B12– Deficiency
of this vitamin can lead to painless vision loss. Avoid this by consuming milk
and liver or by taking supplements.
●
Lutein
and Zeaxanthin– Both are eye nutrients concentrated in the macula (the
part of the eye responsible for central vision). Attain these nutrients by
consuming egg yolks and green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and
peas.
3. Take Steps to Fight Eye
Fatigue When Using Screens
Devices
such as televisions, cell phones, and computer screens bombard eyes with
high-energy blue light. The eye’s macula has substances that help filter blue
light, but overexposure can cause eye fatigue and other problems, such as
blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches.
Here
are some practices to avoid the excessive use of screens:
●
Rest your eyes every 20 minutes and, during this time,
take your eyes off the screen and look away for 20 seconds.
●
Walk away from the computer or TV every 2 hours, and
take a 15-minute break.
●
Keep the computer screen between 20 and 24 inches from
your eyes, and maintain the top of the screen slightly below your vision level.
●
Adjust the screen of your computer, TV, or cell phone to
minimize glare.
●
Blink frequently to lubricate the eyes, or use
lubricating eye drops.
4. See Your Optometrist
Regularly
It’s
recommended to have a check-up every two years. However, visits to the
optometrist should become more frequent after age 40, especially if you have a
family history of vision-related illnesses.
The
optometrist can detect early signs of diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and
macular degeneration and even identify hypertension and diabetes through your
eyes.
Visit
your doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms:
●
Double or blurred vision,
●
Sudden eye pain,
●
Recurrent pain in the eyes or around them, or
●
Bright floating spots or halos around lights.
Don’t
forget to keep your prescription for glasses or contacts up to date. If your
lenses are no longer enough to correct your vision, you will begin to suffer
from headaches, blurry vision, and eye fatigue. Visit a top-rated online retailer
for prescription sunglasses.
5. Manage Your Blood
Pressure
High
blood pressure reduces the circulatory system’s efficiency, impacting your
eyes. If they fail to maintain adequate blood flow, your vision will be
affected. With a proper diet, adequate exercise, and regular visits to the
doctor, you can prevent high blood pressure or hypertension, conditions that
can cause severe problems to your eyes, such as retinopathy or nerve damage.
6. Avoid Infections
Using
your hands or fingers to rub your eyes can cause itching and irritation,
infections such as conjunctivitis, and even severe diseases.
Maintain
regular hygiene habits to avoid infections:
●
Wash your hands before touching your eyes,
●
Do not share eye cosmetics or eye applicators,
●
Completely remove makeup before bed, and
●
Clean your contacts and their cases frequently.
7. Wear Protective
Equipment When Needed
Never
perform activities using power tools without wearing protective goggles. For
example, when cutting grass, lawn mowing equipment may launch stones, wooden
fragments, or other material directly into your eyes and cause serious
injuries.
The
same goes for contact sports, such as ice hockey or lacrosse. There are helmets
with protective masks and sports glasses with reinforced lenses to protect your
eyes from accidental impacts.
Seeing Better Depends on
You
The
gradual loss of vision with aging brings drastic changes to your quality of
life. Fortunately, simple habits like those presented above can help you
protect your eyes and maintain their health for years. Don’t forget to have
regular eye exams and see your optometrist at the first sign of something
wrong. It is the best way to continue seeing well.
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