Your eyesight is easy to take for granted, but vision problems can pose serious concerns over time.
The World Health Organization reveals that at least 2.2 billion people have vision impairment, and at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented.
Without proper eye care, our vision can deteriorate when regularly exposed to unhealthy practices.
Even simple mistakes, like staring at a screen for too long or forgetting to wear sunglasses outdoors, can ruin your eyesight. In the worst-case scenario, it can spur the development of vision loss.
In the absence of disability insurance, it can be difficult when these vision problems affect our ability to work.
That’s especially true since over 51 million Americans have inadequate or no disability insurance. That can make it harder to find a financial safety net once health problems arise.
Fortunately, it’s not too late to care for your eye health and avoid more serious consequences in the long run. Here are some habits you can establish to protect your eyesight:
Wear Sunglasses
It’s easy to overlook wearing sunglasses on sunny days.
However, doing so exposes the eyes to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and increases your risk of developing conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and a painful eye condition known as photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes).
Wearing sunglasses that block harmful UV rays can prevent eye discomfort and reduce the risks of developing eye diseases.
However, don’t just wear them in the summer: since the sun still emits UV rays that can bounce off snow and penetrate clouds, make it a habit to don a pair outdoors year-round.
Quit Smoking
Our lungs are not the only organs affected by smoking. A report by the CDC states that smoking can lead to vision loss, with people who smoke being more likely to develop macular degeneration and cataracts compared with those who don’t.
That makes quitting smoking a step in the right direction if you wish to lower the chances of incurring vision and other health-related problems.
Take Screen Breaks
Staring at mobile or computer screens for long periods of time can cause eye strain. Though not a serious condition, it can cause blurred or double vision, dry eye, and headaches.
That said, try to establish the 20-20-20 rule as part of your routine: every 20 minutes, look at something that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Doing so will allow your eyes to rest and refocus.
Eat Healthy Meals
A balanced diet is essential in preserving eye health, as many nutrient-rich foods are good for your vision.
Some of the best foods for eye health include those rich in vitamin A, like eggs, which help keep your eyes moist.
Our eyes also require more antioxidants than any other organ in the body, which is why eating foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, tomatoes), zinc (red meat, beans, nuts), omega-3 fats (oily fish, walnuts), and vitamin E (avocado) can help minimize the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
These can all be easily integrated into dishes like omelets and desserts, making it easier for healthy eating to become a habit.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing can provide temporary relief when your eyes feel dry, irritated, or itchy. Yet while it may feel good, frequently doing so can damage the cornea–the outermost layer of the eye.
A damaged cornea can cause problems like eye pain, watering, and blurred vision. You also risk transferring germs from your hands to your eyes, increasing the chances of eye infection.
You can avoid rubbing your eyes by using over-the-counter artificial tears or eye drops to eliminate eye itchiness, dryness, or irritation.
Get Your Eyes Checked
Many eye problems are preventable, which is why regular eye tests or check-ups are important in keeping your vision healthy.
Eye tests can check if your vision is normal or if you need prescription glasses to improve reading quality. A visit to an eye doctor can also help detect early symptoms of eye conditions for immediate treatment.
That’s especially true for vision loss-causing diseases like glaucoma. Since it affects the optic nerve behind the eye, only an optometrist can check for symptoms through a comprehensive exam.
Adults should make it a habit to get eye exams every five years, while those aged 50 and above should get one every 1 to 2 years.
Maintaining a healthy vision as early as now can avert many problems in the future. By establishing a strong commitment to these habits, you can better invest in healthy eyesight for longer.