Eye Care Tips to Improve Vision
Good eyesight is essential to a wide range of daily habits. While there are many myths about how to improve vision naturally, the only real way to address refractive errors is with prescription lenses or corrective eye surgery. That being said, there are habits that support eye health, which in turn boosts the overall function of the eyes, including vision quality.
Optometrists at GW Eye Associates recommend these eye care tips to improve vision and preserve eye health to our patients from La Jolla, Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA, and surrounding areas.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
Food is fuel for the body and what a person consumes has a big impact on their overall health and the function of their organs. A nutritious diet should be rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
In regards to the eyes, foods that are high in vitamin A are especially beneficial. Vitamin A helps keep the cornea clear and is a component of proteins that allow the eyes to see in low-light conditions. Vitamin A (or beta carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A) can be found in foods like milk, cheese, oily fish, green leafy vegetables, and carrots.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is essential to functioning eyes and clear eyesight. If someone is overly tired, the eyes will likely be strained. This can result in dry eyes that feel gritty and itchy. Dry, strained eyes will not focus as clearly.
To avoid tired eyes, people should aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Exercise is another habit that is beneficial to overall physical health, which includes the health of the eyes. Physical activity improves circulation, which ensures that the organs receive ample blood and oxygen. Individuals who maintain an active lifestyle are less likely to suffer from dry eyes and the uncomfortable side effects of this condition.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage
Both short and long-term exposure to UV rays can have damaging effects on the eyes. UV rays have been specifically linked to an increased risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and photokeratitis.
To protect the eyes from UV damage, people should wear sunglasses with a layer of UV protection any time they are outdoors.
Avoid Eye Strain
Eye strain increases the risk of dry eye and can lead to a number of other uncomfortable side effects, including itchy eyes and headaches. Fatigued eyes will also have a more difficult time focusing, which can compromise vision.
Computer use (or extended time in front of a screen) is the main cause of eye strain. To avoid this condition people should practice the 20/20/20 rule. This rule recommends giving the eyes a break every 20 minutes by taking them off the screen and focusing on an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Refrain from Smoking
Add the eyes to the list of body parts that can be harmed by smoking. Smoking can lead to optic nerve damage, as well as increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Since all of these negatively affect the vision, refraining from smoking is best for ocular health and vision preservation.
Schedule Routine Eye Exams
Routine eye exams play an essential role in maintaining good vision. A comprehensive eye exam monitors eyesight and evaluates the overall health of the eyes. These exams are the best way to diagnose eye diseases while they are still in their early stages.
Adults with good eye health should schedule a routine eye exam once every two years, while seniors and those with an increased risk of eye disease should schedule eye exams once a year.
Contact Us
If you are interested in improving or maintaining your vision, the eye care services offered at GW Eye Associates can help. To find out how we can help you optimize the health and function of your eyes, contact our office online, or call (858) 454-4699 at your earliest convenience.
