How do I stop my eyesight from getting worse?
Eyes are one of the most important aspects of our lives, as they enable us to see the world around us. Unfortunately, many of us experience a deterioration in our vision over time, leaving us wondering how to stop our eyesight from getting worse. In this blog post, we will discuss tips and strategies to help prevent further deterioration of our eyesight and maintain healthy vision.
Don't Smoke
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your eyes and your overall vision. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and other eye diseases. Smoking can also cause permanent damage to your eyes, including reduced blood flow to the eyes, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrition delivery, which can impair vision. It can also increase the risk of developing dry eyes and even cause the eyes to yellow. If you're currently smoking, it's important to quit as soon as possible to protect your eyes and vision.
Get Regular Checkups
One of the best ways to prevent your eyesight from getting worse is to get regular checkups. It is important to have a comprehensive eye exam every year or two to ensure that any vision problems are caught and treated early on. During these checkups, your optometrist can assess your vision, check for any changes in your prescription, and diagnose any potential problems.
At your checkup, your optometrist will usually perform a dilated eye exam. This involves putting drops in your eyes to enlarge the pupils, so they can take a closer look at the back of your eye. They can then detect any signs of eye disease and determine if you need corrective lenses. They may also use other tests, such as a refraction test, to measure the curvature of the eye and assess how light is entering the eye.
Your optometrist can also help you manage existing conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, by providing specialized treatment. For example, they may prescribe eye drops or surgery to reduce intraocular pressure or other medications to slow the progression of vision loss.
To keep your eyes healthy, it is important to get regular checkups with your optometrist and follow their advice. Don’t wait until you start having trouble with your vision before scheduling an appointment; even if you don’t have any symptoms yet, it’s still important to have your eyes checked regularly to catch any potential issues early on.
Eat Healthy
You can protect your vision by eating healthy. Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables, high in fiber, and low in saturated fat and added sugars can help you maintain good eye health.
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, and vitamin C which help protect your eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines can also help improve your vision.
It's also important to get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet for good eye health. Zinc, found in seafood, eggs, beans, and nuts, helps support healthy vision. Copper can be found in leafy greens, whole grains, beans, and mushrooms. And Vitamin E can be found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and olives.
To keep your eyes healthy and prevent vision loss, make sure to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods every day.
Exercise
Physical activity is important for overall health and has been linked to better eyesight. It is thought that regular exercise helps to increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the eyes, which helps them to function better.
Regular physical activity is beneficial for all parts of the body, including the eyes. Aim for moderate physical activity most days of the week for 30 minutes or more. This could include a brisk walk, jogging, swimming, cycling, or playing an active game with friends.
In addition to aerobic exercises, strengthening exercises can also help your eyesight. Squinting against resistance, such as using hand weights or elastic bands, can help strengthen the muscles around your eyes. Yoga and meditation are also great ways to relax and reduce stress, which can improve your eyesight in the long run.
It's important to remember to protect your eyes when engaging in any physical activity. Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim to reduce glare, and if you're going to be outside for extended periods of time, make sure you have plenty of water with you to stay hydrated.
Limit Screen Time
One of the best ways to help prevent your eyesight from getting worse is to limit your screen time. That means reducing the amount of time you spend looking at TVs, computers, phones, tablets, and any other devices that emit blue light. Too much blue light exposure can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to worsening eyesight.
To reduce your screen time, it helps to be mindful of how often you use your devices. Set limits on the amount of time you spend on your device each day and make sure you take breaks in between. Make sure you take a break every 15 to 20 minutes and look away from your screen. Try to do other activities during this time, such as going for a walk or stretching.
You can also reduce blue light exposure by using blue-light blocking glasses or installing a blue light filter on your device. Additionally, adjust your display settings so that the brightness is comfortable for you and set a reminder to reduce the brightness if you forget.
Following these tips can help you reduce your screen time and keep your eyes healthy. Limiting your exposure to blue light will help protect your vision and keep your eyesight from getting worse over time.
