How to improve eyesight?
Besides getting regular eye checkups to monitor your eye health, there are several other ways for you to maintain good eye health and improve your eyesight. We explore how to improve eyesight below.
#1: Don protective eyewear to improve eyesight
It is important that you wear protective eyewear to safeguard your eyes when you are engaged in activities like science experiments in school, contact sports such as touch rugby or even when working in your backyard. Protective eyewear is especially vital if the activities you do involve sharp objects, chemicals or materials like metal shards. Several types of protective eyewear are made of a type of polycarbonate that is many times tougher than ordinary plastic. Also, wear sunglasses that block out UVA and UVB radiation to safeguard your eyes when you are out in the sun. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from certain conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, that can develop or worsen as a result of exposure to harmful UV rays.
Sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV rays
#2: Know your family’s eye history
Be aware of your family’s eye history as much as possible for any possible hereditary eye diseases. Examples of hereditary eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Once you learn about your family’s history of eye diseases (or lack thereof), you are equipped to take early precautions such as protecting your eyes, attending regular eye checkups and seeking timely treatment, if necessary
#3: Ensure hygiene in your contact lenses and hands
Your eyes are susceptible to germs and infections. External particles that may enter your eye and cause irritation could affect your vision. Therefore, always ensure your hands and fingers are washed before they come into contact with your eyes. Regularly cleanse and disinfect your contact lenses if you have them to prevent infections.
#4: Consume ample vitamins and minerals
An adequate consumption of vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals like zinc, can provide your eyes with the necessary antioxidants to maintain good eye health and prevent macular degeneration. Food sources that contain such vitamins and minerals include carrots, strawberries, spinach and sweet potatoes. Salmon is a type of a food rich in omega-3 fatty acids to boost eye health and your overall eyesight. Leafy green vegetables like broccoli contain nutritious carotenoids like lutein found in the retina to enhance eyesight. These carotenoids shield your macula (structure that provides clear, central and colour vision) by absorbing blue and ultraviolet light as well as enhancing pigment density found in the macula.
#5: Exercise regularly to remain fit
Exercising to maintain a healthy weight can enhance your eyesight. People who are overweight have a greater risk of getting Type 2 diabetes which can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, via a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy causes your arteries to leak blood and fluid into your eye, affecting your vision.
Little Things Play A Role In Overall Eye Health
Little things and activities such as washing your hands regularly and eating a healthy diet play a role in preserving your vision and maintaining good eye health. While there is no sure-fire way to guarantee eye health, taking small steps to protect your eyes can reduce the overall risks of getting eye diseases. Sign up for your eye checkup using the planoApp now!
References
Healthline. 2022. How to Improve Eyesight: 10 Natural Ways to Get Better Vision. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-improve-eyesight#keep-hands-clean> [Accessed 19 February 2022].
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