Good vision is essential to living a full and productive life. Whether it’s simply seeing clearly across the room or being able to drive in varying lighting conditions, having good eyesight can make completing everyday tasks easier. Many people suffer from deteriorating eyesight as they age, while others experience vision problems due to genetics or lifestyle habits. If you’ve noticed your vision decreasing, here are some proactive steps to protect and improve your sight.
Reduce Screen Time
To avoid eye fatigue, strain, and sleep issues, it’s crucial to take breaks when using digital devices. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for a few seconds and avoid using electronics in low light. That is because the blue light from digital devices can be damaging to your eyes. If you must use devices for an extended period of time, make sure to wear protective blue-light-blocking glasses. Adjust your screen’s brightness, contrast, and font size for optimal comfort, and position your screen at arm’s length, slightly below eye level.
Eye Relaxation Techniques
Eye relaxation techniques are simple exercises that help to relax your eye muscles and improve vision. Moving your eyes around in a figure-eight pattern, rolling them up or down, and focusing on distant objects for a few seconds can strengthen the muscles of your eyes and help them stay relaxed so you can see better. Other relaxation exercises include palming, which involves lightly pressing your hands over your eyes for a few minutes while focusing on the darkness. Give yourself at least 10 minutes of these activities daily to get the most benefit.
Take Care of Your Eyeglasses
Proper care and maintenance are vital for ensuring optimal vision if you wear prescription eyeglasses. Clean your glasses regularly using a soft microfiber cloth, and avoid using hot water or cleaning solutions that can damage the lens coatings or frames. Ensure to store them in a protective case when you are not wearing them.
Avoid leaving your glasses in a hot car or exposing them to extreme heat. You can also visit Visionworks to learn how to take care of your new prescription glasses. Have your glasses adjusted by an optician if they feel loose or uncomfortable. Remember to replace your old glasses every one to three years, depending on your prescription and lens durability.
Wear Protective Eyewear
It’s crucial to wear eye protection while participating in activities that could potentially harm your eyes, like playing sports or working in dangerous settings. By wearing the appropriate eyewear, you can significantly decrease the chances of getting eye damage from UV radiation and flying objects. To prevent future vision problems, wear sunglasses that block UV rays when you’re outside. Wear protective eyewear when using power tools or handling chemicals that may get into your eyes. Taking the necessary steps to protect your eyes now can help ensure good vision in the future.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Your doctor can diagnose and treat current problems and identify future issues during an eye exam. They can measure your visual acuity and check how well you distinguish colors. They will also assess your eyes for conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. It is recommended to have an eye exam annually or more often if you have an existing vision problem. Taking action now can prevent future vision problems from becoming serious.
Endnote
Improving your vision is essential for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. From reducing screen time and engaging in eye relaxation techniques to wearing protective eyewear and getting regular exams, there are many ways to protect your eyes and keep them healthy. Do everything you can today to ensure a good vision tomorrow.