The question of how to make your eyes better depends on their unique condition. In addition to the strength of your eyesight, it is also important to factor in your daily routine, which is likely to involve a variety of environmental and occupational eye stress. From regularly optometrist visits for testing and obtaining new prescriptions to breaking bad daily habits, here are some tips for improved eye health.
Top 10 Tips by Experts to Improve Eyesight and Vision
Table of Contents
Get Regular Eye Exams
The general rule is that children should have eye exams at six months of age, three years of age, at the start of school and every two years thereafter. Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should have an exam at least every two years. In the case of health or occupational conditions that may cause vision to deteriorate, annual or more frequent exams may be necessary. After age 61, all adults should have annual exams. If you are concerned about the cost of an examination or filling prescriptions, compare the costs of vision insurance. Insurance can be an affordable way to cover the costs of regular visits to
the optometrist or procedures performed by an ophthalmologist.
Be Smart About Screens
Whether you rely on electronic screens for work or play, it’s important to recognize their effect on your eyes. The blue light emitted by these screens can cause discomfort, strain, and fatigue over time. A general guideline is 20-20-20: rest your eyes every 20 minutes when using a screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Brief, regular breaks can reduce eye strain caused by dry eyes or prolonged, uninterrupted focus on displays.
Other helpful ways to reduce eye strain caused by screen use include situating screens 20 to 26 inches away from eyes and slightly below eye level and eliminating glare from lighting. Blue-light blocking computer glasses that have yellow-tinted lenses designed to increase contrast are also becoming more popular, as are anti-reflective prescription glasses lenses.
Wear Sunglasses Outside
Ultra-violet rays can cause lasting eye damage and direct, prolonged exposure may even cause vision loss. These rays are most powerful when the sun is bright and blinding, but are still present on cloudy days. Select sunglasses frames that fit your face and will stay on during your favorite outdoor activities.
The best sunglasses can block anywhere from 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Out of all these tips for how to make your eyes better, wearing quality lenses for sun protection is among the easiest, effective and stylish.
Stay Active
Physical activity can benefit every part of your body and mind, including your eyes. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are three conditions that can be managed or prevented with regular exercise. In turn, this can prevent or lessen the severity of the most common causes of eye diseases and other vision issues.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can cause a variety of health issues, including eye diseases and sight-related problems. An increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration accompanies a regular smoking habit.
Get the Right Nutrients
Eating the right foods and taking supplements can ensure that your eyes have everything they need to thrive. Vitamins C and E are essential for eye health, as are beta carotene, lutein, and zinc. Seeking out bioavailable, food-derived sources of these nutrients can be a cost-effective and fun way to promote eye health every day. Citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables contribute toward comprehensive well-being and provide the nutrition necessary for healthy eyes.
If you are concerned about whether your current diet supplies your eyes with the nutrients they need to thrive, ask your general medical practitioner, nutritionist, optometrist or ophthalmologist about sufficient levels or ask about their recommendations for complete eye-health supplements that contain recommended daily doses of minerals and vitamins.
Eat Protein
Protein supplies the building blocks for many systems in the body, such as the metabolism, muscles, and eyes. Whenever you eat beans, eggs, fish, pork or shellfish, your body uses the protein found in these foods to maintain functionality and repair damage. Over the years, a balanced diet with sufficient protein levels may help to improve or sustain eye condition.
Seek Out Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Most adults should consume at least 250 to 500 milligrams of Omega-3 fatty acids every day. Mackerel, salmon, herring, anchovies, and sardines contain hefty doses of fatty acids. If you’re feeling fancy, caviar and oysters are also rich sources. It is also possible to take a cod liver oil supplement, though you should monitor your Vitamin A intake. Vegetarians and vegans can seek out chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts.
Soybeans combine some Omega-3 with substantial amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids.
Keep Contacts Clean
Whether you regularly switch between wearing contact lenses and glasses or wear contacts most of the time, it is important to follow the contact lens manufacturer’s cleaning and replacement instructions.
Disinfect contacts between uses and wash your hands prior to insertion or removal. If you find yourself in a situation where it is difficult to disinfect or switch out contacts, it may be best to wear your glasses for the sake of eye health.
Consult an Eye Professional About Changes
Vision degrades over time. The right prescription can help to prevent eye strain and enhance the quality of sight. An optometrist or ophthalmologist should treat injuries and any of the following developments:
- Blind spots
- Blockages
- Blurring
- Distortion
- Double vision
- Eye pain
- Injury
- Persistent redness
- Vision loss
Depending on the diagnosis, you may be referred from an optician or optometrist to an ophthalmologist for treatment. Opticians provide glasses and contacts, optometrists perform regular eye exams and ophthalmologists diagnose ocular diseases.
Most of these tips are measures to sustain eye health and preserve sight. When it comes to how to make your eyes better, you may want to consider options such as upgraded glasses or contacts and ophthalmologist-recommended treatments. All of these eye care tips still apply and may help to maintain improvements in vision.
