7 Ways To Take Care Of Your Eyesight

How To Improve Or Protect Your Eyesight 

 

Nurturing your eyes is more than just visiting your optometrist for an eye exam a few times a year, though we certainly recommend it. You could be surprised by the number of measures you can take to tend to your eyes yourself. 

 

Here are 7 of them:

Eating the right foods can help prevent a number of dangerous eye conditions, including macular degeneration. Prioritize food rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Some food items that include these goodies are: 

The health of your retina plays a key role in maintaining your vision. To reinforce your retina, look for lutein and zeaxanthin. You can find these nutrients in broccoli, zucchini, and eggs.

 

Exercise:

Staying fit helps you ward off Type 2 diabetes, which can complicate your eyesight, among other things. 

 

If you contract Type 2 diabetes, you could be at risk of diabetic retinopathy. When too much sugar circulates in your bloodstream, the arteries in your retina may leak blood and fluid into the eye. 

There is a reason people wear protective goggles when playing contact sports or conducting volatile science experiments. A poorly timed elbow in the face or exposing your eyes to burning chemicals can ruin your eyes for good. 

 

In addition to sports and other dangerous activities, you should be careful of the sun’s ultraviolet rays too. They are among the main culprits for severe eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Thankfully, a good pair of sunglasses can block out 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation from sunlight. 

 

Follow the 20-20-20 rule:

People tend to underestimate the toll that simple wear and tear can put on their eyes. Looking at a computer screen for an extended period of time is a surefire way to worsen your vision over time. 

 

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple rule is enough to reduce the strain your eyes are experiencing while you are working on the computer. 

 

Do not smoke:

Smoking is also bad for your eyes, as it increases your chances of contracting cataracts and macular degeneration. 

 

The sooner you quit, the sooner your eyes can begin recovering. 

 

Be aware of hereditary conditions:

Certain eye diseases can be inherited. These include glaucoma, retinal degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, and optic atrophy. 

 

If your family has a history of developing these conditions, be sure to visit your optometrist regularly to avoid being blindsided by one of them. 

 

Practise basic hygiene:

Your hands are likely full of germs, so you should abstain from rubbing your eyes. Irritated eyes could become infected, worsening your vision. 

 

Always wash your eyes before touching your eyes.

Many people neglect their eyes and are surprised when their eyesight declines prematurely. If they knew how simple it is to care for their eyes, they may have incorporated these healthy habits into their lifestyle sooner. 

Do not make the same mistakes! Follow this guideline to maximize your chances of retaining your visual faculty well into your golden years:

• Eat healthy foods 
• Exercise
• Wear protective eyewear
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule
• Do not smoke
• Be mindful of hereditary eye conditions 
• Do not touch your eyes with your hands

Of course, also important are regular visits with a qualified optometrist. Book your eye exam with Dr. Zain Jivraj at Specs in the City Optometry in SE. Our team’s deep expertise in optometry and our acclaimed customer service are sure to satisfy your vision needs. Call 1-403-252-2020 or fill out the online contact form to let us know how we can help you. 

FAQs

Are contact lenses harmful to my eyes?
Not necessarily. When used responsibly, contact lenses can be a wonderful alternative to prescription glasses. However, you will need to practice careful hygiene if you choose to wear contact lenses. If not well cleaned, they can easily infect your eyes. 

What other chronic conditions that can affect my eyesight should I be aware of?
High blood pressure and multiple sclerosis are other conditions that can substantially worsen your vision. If you have one of these conditions, enlist an optometrist to help manage your vision. 

How many times a year should I visit the optometrist for an eye exam?
Ideally, you should see your optometrist once a year.