Vision can change a lot throughout a person’s lifetime. You may have had a good vision as a child and a younger adult, but problems start occurring as you grow older. But don’t worry, often there are things you can do to either slow the change in your vision or help combat the symptoms of some eye conditions.
If you notice your eyesight is getting worse, it’s important to visit your local optician for an eye test. Also, you can follow these tips to prevent your eyesight from getting worse.
- Wear protective eyewear
Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for the activity in which you’re engaged.
- Eat right to protect your sight.
You’ve heard that carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables particularly dark leafy greens, it is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.
- Be cool and wear your shades.
Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
- Give your eyes a rest.
If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get exhausted. Try some exercise every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This short exercise can help reduce eyestrain.
- Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly.
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate. The same goes for eyeglasses.
- Quit smoking or never start.
Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
