In this article, experienced optometrist Dr. Stephen Henry discusses 6 steps we can all take to easily maintain a healthy vision, and avoid the early onset of vision loss due to age or other existing complications.

But before we go through the 6 steps, here are some statistics regarding vision loss and blindness :

Vision impairment affects millions of people across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, “at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment.” With half of these cases could have been prevented or have yet to be addressed. Data also shows that 411 US dollars are lost annually due to productivity losses related to vision impairment. And while a majority of those affected by vision loss or blindness are over the age of 50, vision impairment can affect anyone at any age.

While the statistics can be alarming, it’s not hard to maintain a healthy vision. Here are 6 easy steps we can all take to keep our eyes healthy.

Get checked regularly by an expert optometrist

Getting regular eye check-ups is one of the best ways to know if our eyes are healthy. For someone with an already existing condition, an optometrist can advise on further steps to take to keep your eyes healthy. If you already wear glasses for a specific eye condition, an optometrist can also advise you whether or not you need new lenses, depending on the status of your vision.

Protect your eyes from the sun

Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage the eyes. If you are regularly exposed to the outdoors, protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses. There are many types of sunglasses in the market, with lens options depending on the kind of activities they are intended for. Sunglasses with polarized lenses offer great UV protection while also allowing the wearer superb visibility even in high glare conditions. 

Take breaks from screentime

With our ever-increasing exposure to screens, be it with our smartphones, computer, or TVs, our eyes tend to get strained more daily. Keep your eyes healthy by limiting your screentime, or taking breaks between long hours of using your computer. Extended exposure to screens can lead to eye fatigue, dry and irritated eyes, and loss of focus flexibility. Excessive screentime has also been found to be one of the causes of myopia or nearsightedness in children. 

Get plenty of sleep

In addition to taking a break from screentime, getting adequate sleep also promotes recovery after a long day of exposure. Sleeping at the right time, and for an adequate number of hours allows your entire body to recover from a long day of work. Experts recommend a daily average of 6 to 8 hours of sleep should be enough for your body to recover, and prepare you for another day of activities.

Healthy diet

As with most things that concern our physiology, a healthy diet can aid in maintaining our vision and overall health. Integrating foods that promote good eyesight into your regular diet is a great way to support your vision. Carrots, kale, red peppers, salmon, and oysters are 5 of the best foods that promote excellent eye health. 

Avoid smoking

Smoking presents a host of unhealthy effects on the body. Some of these include macular degeneration, developing cataracts, and dry eyes. Avoid smoking and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You’ll not only save your vision, but your entire body will thank you for it.

Conclusion

To conclude, vision impairment affects many people across the globe. While some cases may not be life-threatening, it does affect a person’s productivity and how they experience the world around them. A healthy set of eyes are a great asset, and it doesn’t take much to our vision healthy. Regular check-ups, proper protection, rest coupled with a good diet, and positive lifestyle choices, all contribute to keeping our vision clear.

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