As we age, it is wise to look for new and efficient ways to improve our eyesight. Simple things like too much screen time and insufficient eye hygiene can all lead to a gradual decrease in vision. Many factors contribute to vision loss, but often there are ways to prevent them. Here are some simple ways you can improve your eyesight.
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Include Eye Health in Your Diet
Certain foods you eat can have an impact on your eye health. Carrots are an excellent way to add vitamin A into your diet, which can promote healthy eye function. Foods rich in vitamins C, E, copper and zinc should also be a part of your healthy eating habits. For aging adults, macular degeneration can be challenging, and foods like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and eggs are all high in antioxidants, which can help. No matter your age, foods rich in vitamins and essential nutrients enhance your diet and support your eye health.
Get Regular Eye Exams
It is common practice for someone to wait until there is trouble with their vision to have an eye exam. Regular visits to your eye doctor can promptly diagnose any issues to prevent the severity of future problems. For instance, to correct vision changes, your eye doctor can recommend the proper contact lenses to ensure your eyesight clarity and overall eye health. Specialized contact lenses are available for those with particular eye conditions unsuitable for regular contacts or glasses. Notably, eye exams can detect health issues unrelated to your eyesight. The NHS recommends getting your eyes tested every two years, or as directed by your optometrist. You can also get a free eye test in the UK if you meet certain criterias.
Exercise Your Eyes
Mornings and evenings are excellent times for exercising your eye muscles to keep them in shape. With warm hands, warm your eyes for five seconds. Do this three times a row, followed by repeatedly rolling your eyes. Look around, circling your eyes in both directions ten times. With consistency, you will notice a difference in your eye strength.
Rest Your Eyes
Giving your eyes a break is just as important as exercising them. Closing your eyes for a few minutes without interruption will help them to relax. A routine of once an hour is an excellent way to stay consistent. If you use your eyes invariably for work by repeatedly using a computer or reading documents, a simple eye rest can reduce fatigue or over-exertion. It is an excellent refresher in the middle of a long project.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Restful sleep is an integral part of maintaining your eye health. A few minutes of routine eye rest during the day does not replace the essential benefit of good sleeping habits. In addition to your overall health and well-being, proper sleep allows your eyes the rejuvenation required to function correctly. Regular sleep in a quiet environment will train your body to rest comfortably. If your eyes are strained from overuse, take a short nap to give them a chance to rest.
Stay Away From Smoking
Smoking is unhealthy for various reasons. When it comes to eye health, it can contribute to blindness. Smoking can cause age-related macular degeneration and increase the chance of developing cataracts. Additionally, it reduces beneficial antioxidants that are good for your eyes.
Keep Watch of Your Surroundings
Various things in your daily activities and environment can harm your eyes, and it is vital to be mindful of them. For instance, if you get your exercise by swimming in a pool, chlorine gets in your eyes and causes irritation. Sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods, reading in low light conditions and spending time under fluorescent lighting are all detrimental practices. You can reduce exposing your eyes to these conditions if you make yourself more aware of what elements can be harmful.
Exercise Your Body Regularly
A small amount of daily exercise supports the health of your whole body, including your eyes. A simple twenty-minute routine will improve blood circulation, which benefits your eyes’ tiny blood vessels, and can remove harmful substances that deposit and accumulate. A rigorous exercise program is not necessary. You can do some light exercise in the gym or on the treadmill. Taking a short walk through your neighborhood each morning is plenty to get the exercise your body needs to stay energized.
Good eyesight is a vital part of anyone’s overall health and well-being. If your eyes give you problems, it can limit your ability to live an active life, whether engaging in hobbies and recreational activities or going to work every day. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to take care of your eyes consistently, keeping them healthy and strong for years.
