5 Ways to Help Maintain Good Vision as You Get Older
Most adults start experiencing issues with their vision between their mid-40s and early 50s. This is more common among adults who’ve spent a lot of time reading and working on computers. One of the biggest challenges that those between the ages of 40 and 60 experience is poor vision at close distances.
You can wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision. However, if you’d like to do more, particularly if you’re on the younger side, have a look at these tips to maintain good vision as you get older.
1. Eat well
You can’t expect your body to be able to maintain itself if you don’t give it the fuel it needs. Focus on foods rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamin C and E. Foods jam packed with the above nutrients include spinach, kale, collards, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, oranges, oysters, and pork. There are plenty of other items that contain these nutrients, so start with the ones mentioned here and gradually experiment with more.
2. Say Goodbye to That Smoking Habit
In addition to plenty of other health-related issues, smoking has been linked to cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. Even if you’ve failed at kicking away the habit before, don’t lose hope and try again. Remember that the more you try, the more likely you are to succeed. See a doctor if you feel like you can’t quit on your own.
3. Wear Sunglasses
If you invest in a good pair of shades, they’ll do a wonderful job of protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to too much UV rays will make you more likely to develop cataracts and macular degeneration.
When looking for a pair of shades, choose one that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA as well as UVB rays. A pair of wraparound lenses will protect your eyes from the side while a pair of polarized lenses will reduce glare while you drive. Even if your contact lenses claim to block UV rays, it’s not a bad idea to wear an extra layer of protection such as a pair of shades.
4. Turn On Nighttime Mode
Many computers and portable devices now come equipped with a nighttime mode that you can use to limit the amount of blue light entering your eyes at close range in a dark area. This will help keep your eyes from straining too much and contribute to healthier eyes that better maintain their quality of sight.
5. Take a Break From the Computer
It’s not good for you to sit in front of the computer all day, so why do you keep doing it?! Even though you’re at work, it’s important to take a few breaks every now and then, not just for your eyes, but to also stretch your legs.
Too much screen time can cause eye strain and fatigue. Taking a break for 10 minutes every hour or two can do wonders to protect your eyes. While taking a break, avoid using your phone and instead try going for a walk and looking at the great outdoors. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and energized.
If you’re having vision-related issues, schedule a consultation with a doctor to find out about what can be done.
Contact Our Office
If you’re having vision related issues, schedule a consultation with a Patel Eye Associates to learn more about the treatment options available to you.