Lifestyle Habits That Can Improve Your Vision
You often hear about the importance of taking care of your heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, but what about your eyes? Your vision plays a critical role in your daily life, and eye damage is often irreversible. The good news is that small lifestyle changes can help maintain good vision and keep your eyes healthy for years to come!
Limit Your Screen Time
In today’s digital world, excessive screen time is one of the biggest threats to eye health. The average North American spends nearly 10 hours per day staring at a screen, whether it’s a computer, tablet, television, or smartphone. This constant exposure can lead to:
- Digital eye strain (blurry vision, tired eyes, headaches)
- Dry eye syndrome (less blinking leads to less moisture)
- Neck and shoulder pain (from poor posture while using screens)
To protect your eyes, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a break and reduces strain! If you work on a computer for long hours, consider blue light-blocking glasses to minimize discomfort.
Manage Your Diabetes to Protect Your Vision
Diabetes is often associated with high blood sugar, but many people don’t realize it can also cause serious eye problems. High blood sugar levels put pressure on the delicate blood vessels in your retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Over time, this can damage vision permanently.
If you have diabetes, you can protect your eyes by:
- Keeping blood sugar levels stable through a healthy diet and exercise
- Scheduling an annual diabetic eye exam to catch problems early
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which increase the risk of retinopathy
Regular eye checkups are one of the best ways to prevent diabetes-related vision loss!
Quit Smoking – Your Eyes Will Thank You
There are countless health benefits to quitting smoking, and protecting your vision is one of them! Tobacco use has been linked to several eye conditions, including:
- Macular degeneration – A leading cause of vision loss in older adults
- Retinopathy – A condition where blood vessels in the eye become damaged
- Cataracts – Smoking doubles your risk of developing cataracts
The chemicals in cigarettes reduce oxygen flow to the eyes, increasing the risk of permanent damage. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to preserve your eyesight!
Eat a Balanced Diet for Healthy Eyes
What you eat has a direct impact on your eye health. A nutrient-rich diet can help reduce the risk of vision loss and eye diseases. Here’s what to include in your meals:
- Vitamin C & E – Found in citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds, these vitamins protect against cataracts
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these reduce dry eye symptoms
- Carotenoids (Lutein & Zeaxanthin) – Found in leafy greens, carrots, oranges, tomatoes, and peppers, these help prevent macular degeneration
- Zinc – Found in beans, lentils, and lean meats, this mineral supports healthy retinas
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can significantly improve your long-term eye health!
Book an Eye Exam in Edmonton Today!
Even if you don’t wear glasses, regular eye exams are crucial for detecting early signs of vision problems and underlying health conditions. How often should you book an appointment?
- Healthy adults: Every two years
- Children, seniors, and those with existing eye conditions: Annually
- People with diabetes: Annually to monitor for diabetic retinopathy
Taking care of your overall health is one of the best ways to protect your vision. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment with Optometrists’ Clinic today! Our experienced team will ensure your eyes are in top shape for years to come.
