How to Maintain Good Eyesight

Tips to help keep your eyes in the best condition through your life

 The aging process isn’t kind to our bodies. As we grow older our bodies go through various phases and slowly degrade over time through general wear and tear. Common conditions in elderly people include dementia, osteoarthritis, pulmonary disease, hearing loss, and – most common of all – eyesight problems, including cataracts and refractive errors

While some of these issues are unavoidable and largely a part of the lottery of life, there are some preventative measures you can take with your eyes to help them stay in the best condition for the longest time possible. 

Eyesight problems are remarkably common

The majority of eye issues develop in later life and problems with vision are most common in the over 40s. It’s estimated that around 1.5 billion people worldwide are in some way visually impaired, 38 million are completely blind and more than 150 million have mild problems with their eyesight. However, the good news is around 80% of eyesight problems are avoidable or easily rectified. 

Ways you can help prevent eyesight problems in the future

Taking some common-sense precautions with your eyes can help them function better for longer. Try following these simple eye care tips:

Have your eyes checked regularly: The first and most important step in looking after your eyes is to have them checked regularly. An optician uses a range of tools to check your eyes in ways you simply can’t do yourself and is trained to spot problems early. Opticians use specialist tools like those produced by vision screener manufacturer, Depisteo, which can detect eye problems in under five minutes. Booking a regular check-up with an eye specialist is the single most important precaution you can take to avoid issues later.

Eat a balanced and healthy diet: As the saying goes, “We are what we eat,” and following a balanced diet will give your body the nutrients it needs to function properly. To foster good eyesight, you should look for foods containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3. Try to mix up your diet by including green vegetables, oranges, and other citrus fruits, salmon or other oily fish, pork, and sources of protein like nuts and beans. 

Wear sunglasses: It should go without saying that it’s a good idea to avoid exposing your eyes to direct sunlight. Over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays directly contributes to the risk of developing cataracts and macular deterioration. Buy sunglasses that offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays for the greatest protection. 

Take breaks from your computer screen: Working at a computer screen causes several eye problems including dry eyes, trouble distance-focusing, eyestrain, and blurred vision. It also frequently causes back and neck strain. If you work at a computer, taking regular breaks is essential. Experts suggest people using a computer should take a 15-minute break at least every two hours and also rest their eyes by looking away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. If you find you’re developing problems looking at a screen, you should seek advice from an optician who may prescribe specialist computer glasses. 

Eye care needn’t be a chore and tomorrow’s version of you will likely be grateful for the short time you spend looking after your eyes today.

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