Did you know that about 93 million Americans are at high risk of losing their vision? You might not notice it, but your eyes are constantly bombarded by screens, pollutants, and other environmental stressors. For these reasons, protecting your vision is more crucial than ever before.
While it might be easy to ignore symptoms of vision loss, safeguarding your eyesight is simpler than you might think. It all boils down to a few lifestyle changes you can integrate into your regular routine. Read on to find out more.
Embrace Protective Eyewear
Being that they are among the most sensitive body parts, the eyes need protective gear.
Every day, you expose your eyes to many potential risks like harsh sunlight, pollen, and debris. To avoid them causing either immediate or long-term damage, you need to protect your eyes with a sturdy pair of sunglasses.
By wearing your favorite sunnies, you’re reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration from long-term UV exposure. They also act as a practical shield against foreign objects that can enter the eyes.
However, make sure that you’re wearing a pair customized to your needs.
There are different types of sunglasses to choose from, each with its tailored features. If you have vision issues, get a trusted pair of prescription sunglasses to improve your day-to-day routine. That way, you get corrective vision assistance while ensuring 100% protection from UV rays.
Meanwhile, fans of outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, or skiing can try polarized sunglasses. These lenses specialize in reducing glare from the sun and improving your visual clarity. This ensures that your vision is at its best and that your eyes are safe while you pursue your activities.
Get Quality Sleep Every Night
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. During deep, uninterrupted sleep, your eyes take their time to rest and get enough moisture.
This not only helps them recover from the day but also helps prevent common issues like dry eyes and eye strain.
For eye-rejuvenating slumber, try to improve your sleep hygiene.
To make falling asleep easier, wind down with a nice nighttime routine. This can include reading a book, evening skincare, or even meditation.
Another way to improve your sleep quality is to create a dark and quiet space for yourself. Dim the lights and limit your screen time before you go to bed.
Consider using blackout blinds for your windows, if need be. Remember, the human body produces more melatonin, a sleep hormone, in the dark. By creating a sleep-inducing environment, you can better sleep and rest your eyes.
Nourish Your Eyes with Nutrient-Rich Foods
What you eat directly influences your eye health. For optimal vision health, your diet should be rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, are powerful in maintaining sharp eyesight.
This is because they can help flush out free radicals that impair vision and strengthen eye cells and blood flow.
If you’re willing to adopt an entire eye-healthy eating plan, try the Mediterranean diet. Consisting of mostly plant-based foods and healthy fats, this diet has been linked to better eye protection against age-related sight problems, as well as to prevent inflammation.
However, if you’re struggling to follow an entire diet plan for good, start small by slowly introducing more eye-healthy foods into your meals.
When doing your grocery run, don’t go straight to buying over-processed options like potato chips or canned food. Instead, take note of these foods to boost your diet: Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, brightly colored fruits like berries, and fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and seeds.
All of these foods are packed with nutrients like lutein which improve eye tissue. Even eating a single serving of these foods weekly can reduce the risk of conditions like glaucoma.
