If you struggle with poor vision, it is probably genetic or possibly the result of your lifestyle and can’t be reversed. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to protect your vision and reduce your risk of developing certain conditions that might have affected your eyesight later in life. Here are some of the top ways to protect your vision.
Eat a Healthy Diet Full of Nutrients
You want to make sure your diet contains many vitamins and minerals for good vision and overall health. Some of the essential nutrients that help to protect your vision and reduce conditions that might affect your eye include:
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Omega-3 fatty acids
You can get these from various foods, particularly with your fruits and vegetables. Some of the best to consume include carrots, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, sweet potato, oranges, broccoli, and red bell peppers. For the omega-3s, consume wild-caught salmon 2-3 days a week.
Try These Eye Exercises
There are also some exercises that you can do with your eyes that help protect your vision and boost your overall eye health. These are some of the best:
The Palming Method
This is a relaxation technique that you can do several times per day. Sit in a comfortable position, and then rub your hands together to create heat. Place your palms over your eyes and ensure there is no pressure on your eyeballs. Breathe deeply and relax for a few minutes.
Blinking Exercises
Blinking is important to keep your eyes lubricated, but you tend to blink less when you stare at screens all day. To help offset this, every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and blink rapidly for about 10 seconds. This will help re-lubricate your eyes.
Focusing Exercises
These exercises help strengthen the muscles in your eyes and improve your ability to focus. Sit in a comfortable position and hold your thumb about 10-12 inches away from your face. Focus on your thumb and then slowly bring it closer to your face while focusing on it the entire time. Do this ten times and then reverse the process, moving your thumb away from your face.
Get Regular Checkups
You should also get regular comprehensive eye exams, even if you don’t have any problems with your vision. These can help to catch any potential issues early on to be treated before they cause any significant damage.
Protect Your Eyes in the Sun
There is absolutely no reason to go out in the sun without sunglasses. You need to protect your eye health and vision from the sun’s harsh UV rays, even if you avoid looking at the sun. Your eyes can actually get sunburned, aside from being irritated by the bright sun. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your handbag and your vehicle to have a spare pair in case you forget the other ones.
Be Careful with Chronic Conditions
Lastly, if you have any chronic medical conditions that might affect your health, you need to keep them under control and see a doctor regularly. Diabetes is one of the most important ones to pay attention to and be sure you see an eye doctor regularly to look for issues that might arise from diabetes.
Hypertension is another chronic condition that can affect your vision health, so you again need to see a doctor regularly and take any medications prescribed for the condition.
By following these tips, you can help protect your vision and enjoy a good vision for many years to come.
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