Many people don’t notice vision problems until they get worse. It’s better to take care of your eyes before that happens. Keeping your eyesight strong takes effort, but worsening eyesight is not inevitable with age. Small changes now can help you see clearly later.
If your eyes feel tired or dry after looking at screens for too long, making a few adjustments can help. Simple changes to your routine can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy for years to come. In this article, we will go over several strategies to help you preserve your vision.
1 – Nutrition for eye health
What you eat has a big effect on your eyesight. Your eyes need certain vitamins and minerals to stay strong. Vitamin A helps you see in dim light. Vitamin C and E protect your eyes from damage as you age. Zinc supports the retina, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin help block harmful light.
The best way to get these nutrients is by eating the right foods. Spinach and kale have a lot of lutein and zeaxanthin. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and eggs give you Vitamin A. Oranges, bell peppers, and nuts provide Vitamin C and E. Fish like salmon and tuna have omega-3s, which keep your eyes from feeling dry.
Drinking plenty of water also helps. If you don’t get enough, your eyes may feel dry or irritated. Avoiding too much sugar and processed food is just as important. A bad diet can lead to problems like diabetes, which raises the risk of vision loss.
2 – Limit screen time
Looking at screens for too long can make your eyes feel tired and dry. Phones, computers, and TVs give off blue light, which can strain your eyes over time. When you stare at a screen, you blink less, which makes dryness worse. If your eyes often feel sore or blurry after using a device, it may be time to change your habits.
Blue light filters can reduce strain, especially if you use screens for long hours. Many devices have settings to lower blue light, making it easier on your eyes. You can also wear glasses with a blue light filter. Try to spend less time on screens before bed since too much blue light can make it harder to sleep.
3 – Get regular eye exams
Getting regular eye checkups is one of the best ways to keep your vision strong. Many eye problems develop slowly, and you might not notice them until they get worse. An eye doctor can spot early signs of issues like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration before they cause serious trouble.
How often you need an exam depends on your age and health. If your vision is fine, getting checked every two years may be enough. After 40, yearly checkups are more important since eye problems become more common. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, you may need exams more often.
