In a world filled with captivating sights and precious moments, our eyes are the gateway to experiencing everything that surrounds us.
But in the midst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's all too easy to overlook the treasure that is healthy eyesight.
As we age, our eyes inevitably become more vulnerable to health issues. From the persistent discomfort of dry eyes to the insidious threat of cataracts and even the potential loss of sight, our eyes demand our unwavering attention and care.
The good news is there are steps you can take to maintain your eye health and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
How To Maintain Good Eye Health
We have five methods to share that will help to preserve the well-being of your eyes! By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can protect your vision.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Protect your eyes from the sun and UV rays.
- Take frequent breaks from digital devices and screens.
- Get a regular eye exam.
- Replace your lenses regularly.
1) Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to maintain your overall health, including your eye health. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E, are particularly beneficial for your eyes.
These nutrients can help protect against age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions.
To get these nutrients, incorporate into your diet foods like:
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Fatty fish like salmon and tuna
- Citrus fruits
- Legumes/Beans
- Eggs
- Oysters
- Pork
If you're having trouble getting enough of these nutrients from your diet alone, consider taking a multivitamin or a supplement specifically designed for eye health.
There are several supplements that have shown potential benefits for eye health. We are not endorsing any supplement, and supplements should not replace a healthy diet or proper medical care.
That said, here are a few supplements that are often recommended for eye health:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids are found in oily fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines, as well as in flaxseeds and chia seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help prevent dry eyes and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These antioxidants are found in high concentrations in the macula of the eye and are believed to help filter harmful blue light and reduce the risk of AMD and cataracts. Good dietary sources include dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant is known to support overall eye health. It can be found in citrus fruits, berries, and various vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
- Vitamin E: Another antioxidant, vitamin E, may help protect cells in the eyes from oxidative stress. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are good sources of vitamin E.
- Zinc: This mineral plays a vital role in eye health and is concentrated in the retina. It can be obtained from seafood, lean meats, whole grains, and legumes.
2) Protect your eyes from the sun.
Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the sun's UV rays.
This can lead to a range of issues, from temporary discomfort to long-term damage and even blindness. Too much UV exposure can increase chances of cataracts and macular degeneration.
To protect your eyes from UV rays, wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses, also. These reduce glare and make it easier to see in bright sunlight.
And don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor to provide extra shade for your eyes if you're going to have prolonged exposure to sunlight.
You might think you look goofy wearing the hat. But you'll look a lot more goofy when you're bumping into walls because your eyesight is damaged 😆
3) Take regular breaks when using digital devices.
It's not uncommon to spend hours each day staring at a computer, phone, or tablet.
If you're an iPhone user, pull your phone out and check the screen time reporting. It's okay, we won't judge too harshly...we all do it!
Unfortunately, all this screen time can have negative impacts on your eye health.
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Reduced Blinking: When we focus on screens, we tend to blink less frequently, leading to dry and irritated eyes. Normal blinking helps to lubricate the eyes and prevent dryness.
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Myopia (Nearsightedness): Studies have shown a correlation between increased screen time and the development or progression of myopia, particularly in children and adolescents. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that excessive near work and limited outdoor activities play a role.
- Increased Sensitivity to Contrast: Staring at screens for extended periods can make it more challenging for our eyes to adjust to different contrasts, such as when transitioning from a bright screen to a darker environment.
The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline to follow: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
This can reduce eye strain and gives your eyes a chance to rest and recover.
Does reducing screen time improve eyesight?
Reducing screen time alone may not directly improve eyesight or reverse existing vision problems. But reducing screen time can slow down progression of certain conditions or ease symptoms in the moment.
4) Get regular eye exams.
Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining your eye health, especially as you get older. During an eye exam, your eye doctor can detect early signs of eye diseases and conditions that may not have symptoms yet.
Depending on your age and medical history, your eye doctor may recommend different frequencies for your eye exams.
In general, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or more often if they have a history of eye problems or other health issues.
5) Replace your lenses regularly at LensFactory.
If you wear prescription glasses, it is important to replace the lenses regularly to maintain your eye health.
Over time, lenses can become scratched, damaged, or accumulate dirt and debris, which can affect your vision and cause eye strain or headaches.
At LensFactory, we offer a convenient and affordable way to order replacement lenses for your glasses.
Our online ordering system makes it easy to choose from a variety of lens types and prescriptions, and we offer fast and reliable shipping to ensure you receive your lenses quickly.
By replacing your glasses lenses regularly, you can ensure that your vision remains clear and comfortable.
Plus, with LensFactory, you can do so without breaking the bank. We offer high-quality lenses at competitive prices, so you can prioritize your eye health without sacrificing your budget.