How to Maintain Good Eyesight

Peter Minkoff, February 8, 2022

According to statistics, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 13 million Australians had one or more chronic eye conditions in 2017–18. An unhealthy diet, too many hours in front of the computer monitor, and smoking can significantly impair your eyesight. Those are just some of the many factors that you can prevent from affecting your vision. If you want to know what other actions to take in order to maintain good eyesight, keep on reading.

Eat eye-friendly foods

Foods rich in lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc will contribute to your eyesight immensely. Eggs, tuna, salmon and leafy greens are packed with all those nutrients that will help you keep your 20-20 vision. Additionally, vitamins C and E will also contribute to your eye health, so enrich your diet with citrus fruits and beans. Don’t forget the good old carrots that are rich in vitamin A. They will contribute to good eyesight as well. Add red peppers, broccoli, flaxseed, spinach, strawberries and sweet potatoes to the list of groceries the next time you go shopping to offer your eyes only the best food.

Check your eyes regularly

There’s only so much you can do by yourself to protect your eyes from degenerative disease. Even with a healthy diet, you can’t be sure that your eyes are healthy, unless you visit a local optometrist regularly. That’s why we recommend you look for the best Dallas optometrist and book your appointment today. They’ll perform all the necessary check-ups, ask you about the family history and recommend further steps to help you maintain good eyesight. On top of that, an optometrist will detect any potential eyesight problems and start the treatment early on to prevent more complicated conditions.

Don’t forget your sunglasses

Did you know that too much sun exposure can wreak havoc on your eyesight? To protect your eyes when you’re outdoors, look for high-quality eyewear. Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory nowadays since they can help you prevent several eye problems caused by the sun. Invest in quality eyewear that will block 99-100 per cent of the UV rays. Wear them during sunny days, regardless of where you’re going. From the beach to the mountains and parks, your eyes will benefit from a top-quality pair of shades.

Limit screen time

Nowadays, we all spend an obscene amount of time in front of various kinds of screens. Be it a computer, tablet, or smartphone, your eyes are suffering the strain longer than before. That can eventually harm your eyesight and cause blurred vision. A 20-20-20 rule will allow you to rest your eyes and body and prevent severe eye health problems. All you need to do is stop looking at the screen every 20 minutes. Look away for 20 seconds and stare at an object or area that’s 20 feet away.

Avoid cigarettes

Did you know that nicotine can have detrimental effects on your eyesight? Not only does smoking cause oxidative stress to your eyes, but it also increases the risk for numerous health conditions that affect eyesight. Dry eyes, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are just some of the problems that you can avoid if you quit the nasty habit of smoking. Not to mention that people who smoke are at a much higher risk of developing optic nerve problems, diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis.

Final thoughts

Unless you eat well, protect your eyes from the sun and check with your optometrist regularly, you won’t be able to ensure 20-20 eyesight. Your eyes need regular exams just like the rest of your body, so don’t forget to book your appointment regularly and prevent eye vision problems. Eat foods rich in vitamins, don’t smoke and limit screen time to offer your eyes the best care and protection.