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How to Maintain Good Eye Health
Oculi Vision • Feb 01, 2021
There are a lot of things to see in the world! Maintaining your vision to enjoy them all is a medical necessity. There are many factors out of our control that can lead to degenerating vision, such as aging, trauma, diabetes, or glaucoma. But for those things within our control, what can we do? What lifestyle changes can we make to help us maintain good eye health and sharp vision for the long term?
If you are a smoker with eye health concerns, quitting should be a top priority. Most of us are aware of the effects of smoking on our respiratory and cardiovascular systems, but don’t know about the specific ways in which smoking also impacts the eyes. Smokers experience Dry Eye Syndrome at elevated rates compared to nonsmokers, smoking-related high blood pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma, and smoking makes you more likely to develop cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Once you quit, your overall health and your vision are on their way to improving.
External factors can also diminish our ability to see clearly. Sun and UV damage are common concerns for many eye patients. Fortunately, sunglasses and wide brim hats provide easy and stylish protection for your eyes. Activities like welding, sports, and outdoor work can also contribute to eye trauma and decreased vision capability. Make sure you are choosing the right protective eyewear—like goggles or safety glasses—to greatly reduce the risk to your eyes.
Limiting computer and screen time is also a good idea. As we process the information we see in front of us on monitors and phone screens, our eyes can struggle to adjust. For eyes not accustomed to long periods of screen use, this can cause eye pain and headaches. Even those of us who regularly spend time working on a computer can suffer from eye strain symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision. Taking time away from our electronic devices contributes directly to better eye health, often with the added bonus of improving mental health, too.
Certain dietary factors also contribute to eye health. A healthy diet is about more than just maintaining your waistline; we often overlook the great benefits to our vision we get as well. Good eye health starts with essential vitamins and minerals including omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. To get the best out of your eyes, make sure to eat foods like:
- Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach
- Tuna, salmon, and other oily fish
- Orange-colored fruits and veggies—think carrots, oranges, and sweet potatoes
- Nuts, eggs, and legumes
A diet rich in these foods not only helps eye health but also contributes to decreased risk of obesity. This can ward off type 2 diabetes, the leading cause of vision problems and blindness in adults today.
Vision loss is a great concern for many eye patients, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking preventative measures like these helps to safeguard your eye health even as the years pass. By not smoking, protecting your eyes from external strain and damage, and eating well, you can take control of your eye health and maintain healthy vision that keeps you seeing the world the way you want.
