Humans are visually-driven by nature. We depend on eyesight to function in practically every facet of society. While numerous examples show the ability of people who triumph over partial or total blindness, healthy vision is something just about everybody wishes to maintain throughout their entire life.
We live in relatively fortunate times for those suffering from congenital or progressively occurring vision problems. Glasses have been an established remedy for centuries. The 20th century saw the advent of even greater advances in vision improvement possibility. Contacts became a popular alternative to glasses. Eventually, Lasik surgeons working in cities across the globe began to permanently correct less-than-perfect eyesight.
Yet, given the chance, prevention is always preferred over cure, so what can be done to maintain good eyesight? Here are the basics that will keep your vision crisp and lean for years to come:
Eye Exams
Sometimes the causes of poor vision are genetic, in which case little, if anything, done by the person will make a difference. This is why it’s important to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Most health care plans cover an annual eye exam free of charge. This way eye problems can be caught and corrected as soon as possible.
No Smoking
Add the risk of vision loss to the already long list of reasons not to smoke cigarettes. Smoking has been linked to increase chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and damage to the optic nerves. If tempted to start – don’t – for the sake of your eyesight. Those already regular smokers, consider the ordeal of eye surgery before lighting up again. Aforementioned laser eye surgery is impressively low-key and routine these days, but you still want to skip it if possible.
Eye-Friendly Diet
Unfortunately the idea that carrots are especially effective at improving vision is fictitious, despite the vegetable being an all-around great source of Vitamin A which helps preserve eyesight. To keep eyes in top shape make room for citrus fruits in your diet such as oranges and kiwi. Leafy greens are good too such as kale and spinach. Seek out natural foods sources rich in vitamin E such as salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, and beans.
Limited Screen Time
It’s hard to do these days, we know, but reducing the amount of hours spent staring at a computer screen is essential to keeping eyes from becoming strained and damaged over time. It’s a good policy to maintain a healthy distance and angle between yourself and a desktop monitor. Set smartphones and tablets to auto-brightness to prevent unnecessary strain. Make a habit to look away from screens at least three times an hour. Focus your vision on the other side of the room, perhaps a wall clock, to give them a break from the computer screen.
Eyesight is an important part of the human experience. Although people are powerful enough to adapt to blindness, with tools and procedures that serve to correct otherwise terminal vision problems, the beauties of the world are best experienced with unadulterated, natural eyesight. Taking steps to keep your eyes healthy is an investment in future enjoyment.
– Submitted by Katherine Smith