7 Ways to Protect Your Eyesight

Taking care of your eyes and protecting your vision probably aren’t things you think about a lot.

If you don’t already wear glasses, you may assume that as you age, you’ll probably need them at some point.

But that’s as far as your thinking goes.

You may not be aware that there’s anything you can do to keep your eyes healthy.

The truth is, taking your eyes for granted could result in eyesight that deteriorates more quickly than it should.

Let’s take a look at the ways you can protect your vision for as long as possible.

1. Pay attention to your diet

Most people never consider how what’s on their plate affects their vision.

But it does.

When you consume nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E, you may be able to ward age-related vision issues like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Add these foods to your diet:

• Spinach, kale, collards and other leafy greens.
• Oily fish like tuna and salmon.
• Non-meat protein sources such as nuts, eggs and beans.
• Oranges and other citrus fruits.
• Pork.
• Oysters.

A balanced diet will also help you maintain a healthy weight.

Obesity is related to diseases like type 2 diabetes – the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Don’t smoke

Smoking can damage your optic nerve, increases the chances of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Ask your doctor for help if you’ve tried to quit smoking unsuccessfully. The more times you try, the more likely you are to finally kick the habit.

3. Put on your shades

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can also raise the likelihood that you’ll deal with cataracts and macular degeneration.

You need a pair that blocks at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

The type of lenses that wrap around offer protection from the side.

Even if you wear contact lenses that offer protection, you should still wear sunglasses, too.

4. Safety goggles

Don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be the kind that you wore in high school chemistry class.

But, if you work with hazardous materials, you should definitely wear eye protection.

If you play a sport like ice golf, racquetball or tennis, your eyes are vulnerable to injury, too.

Sports goggles will give you adequate protection.

5. Take a screen break

There are quite a few adverse effects of staring at a screen all day, including:

• Eye strain.
• Trouble focusing on things in the distance.
• Blurry vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Shoulder, back and neck pain.
• Headaches.

If you can’t avoid a large amount of screentime, there are some steps you can take to ease the burden on your eyes.

Here’s what you should do:

• If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure to keep your prescription up-to-date. You should let your eye doctor know that your job or studies involve a lot of time in front of the computer. He or she may want to prescribe you special glasses for looking at screens.
• Position your screen so that your eyes are level with the top of your monitor, so you’re viewing the screen from a slight downward angle.
• Avoid the glare from windows or lights and use an anti-glare screen on your laptop or monitor.
• Find a chair that’s supportive and comfortable. You should be able to keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes. Do this by looking 20 feet away for 20-30 seconds. Get up at least every two hours and take a 15-minute break.

6. Get regular eye exams

Even young children need to have their eyes checked periodically.

Plus, eye exams can pinpoint issues like glaucoma early on before there are any symptoms.

Your exam will probably include:

• Taking a personal and family history.
• Vision tests.
• Tests to make sure your eyes are working well together.
• Eye pressure and optic nerve tests.
• External and microscopic checks before and after your eyes have been dilated.

7. Make sure you have vision insurance

Without the help of a good vision insurance policy, you’ll have to pay for eye exams, treatments and glasses or contacts out-of-pocket. And you’ll be less likely to get check-ups that can prevent problems down the line.

To find a policy that suits your needs, get the help of an expert independent insurance producer.

Have you had your eyes checked lately?