Your eyes work hard every day, yet many people overlook their importance until problems arise. Thankfully, looking after them doesn’t require a drastic overhaul, just a few easy habits can make a big difference.
Keep reading to discover practical ways to maintain healthy vision for life.
Get Your Eyes Tested Regularly
Don’t skip your eye tests. In the UK, most adults should have an eye test every two years. Children, people over 60, and those with existing conditions might need more frequent checks.
Routine eye exams not only spot vision changes but also help detect early signs of eye diseases. You can book a test with a local optician for more options.
Eat for Your Eyes
Your diet plays a big role in how well your eyes function. Certain nutrients are especially important for keeping your vision strong and supporting long-term eye health. Some of the key nutrients you should focus on are the following:
- Vitamin A: found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: get these from oily fish like salmon or mackerel.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: packed into leafy greens such as kale and broccoli.
- Vitamins C and E: found in oranges, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
A balanced diet full of these essentials may reduce the risk of age-related eye problems. Additionally, Pure Optical offers expert guidance on supporting eye health naturally through specialised supplements enriched with AREDS2 nutrients, helping to protect your vision against macular degeneration.
Give Your Screen-Weary Eyes a Break
Staring at screens for hours can cause eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. If you work on a computer all day, try using the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Some other helpful tips you can try out are:
- Adjust your screen brightness to match your surroundings.
- Sit at arm’s length from your monitor.
- Blink often to avoid dry eyes.
Wear Sunglasses When It’s Sunny
UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes, just like they can damage your skin. Even on cloudy days, UV protection is important. Thus, it’s best to choose sunglasses that:
- Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Fit snugly and cover your eyes well.
- Come with a CE mark or British Standard (BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013).
This helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later on.
Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being active helps your overall health, and that includes your eyes. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your vision, so keeping your body in good shape reduces the risk. Even 30 minutes of walking a day can help maintain eye health.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is linked to a higher risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your eye health.
Sleep Matters More Than You Think
A good night’s sleep gives your eyes time to rest and recover. Poor sleep can leave your eyes dry, irritated, or sensitive to light. Thus, it’s important to try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Brighten Your Future Vision
Caring for your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes, like eating better, protecting your eyes from UV rays, and booking regular check-ups, can have a long-lasting impact. Start with one habit today and take a simple step towards clearer vision.