Our eyes are incredibly important, but like everything else they do get worse as we get older. There are many tips and tricks that you can use to help them stay as healthy as possible, no matter your age. All you need to get started is to follow these steps:
Eat Well
We are what we eat, so eat foods that are great for your eyesight. Just a few of the options to start eating more of include kale, oranges, black-eyed peas, and salmon. You will want to look specifically at increasing your intake of beta-carotene, so foods that are orange (carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, and apricots), to help with your vision at night.
Wear Sunglasses Outside (Even in Winter)
Sunglasses aren’t just useful for keeping the sunlight out of your eyes, they actually help protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Not all sunglasses do this, of course. You will need special UV-filtering sunglasses, but these can be bought at any store where sunglasses are sold. Just check the label!
Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly
While we often don’t need to go to the eye doctor regularly while we are young, those over the age of 50 or those who are starting to notice a decline in their eyesight should make a point to visit the eye doctor for an eye exam and check-up at least once a year. There are many age-related eye diseases to watch out for. Not only that, but chances are if you have glasses or contact lenses you will need a change in your prescription as you age.
Start Eye Exercises
Eye exercises are really easy to do and can be done right at home. There are a variety to choose from, and they all work to help with different areas of your eyesight. Some work to rest your eyes. Others work to improve your ability to track and focus on options. Some even help with your hand-eye coordination.
Follow the 20/20/20 Rule
The 20/20/20 rule is simple. Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break from whatever you are doing and look at something that is 20 feet away. It gives your eyes something new to look at, gives them a little work-out, and can even be excellent to help manage stress.
Know Your Options for Corrective Surgery
There are a lot of options available for those who want to get their eyesight issues fixed. The most popular of those options is definitely Lasik eye surgery, and you can learn more about this in Your Eyesite guide. What it does, essentially, is reshape your cornea with a laser that works to adjust your eyesight and improve it.
Over 95% of patients experience a full recovery, and symptoms are most often temporary. You may for a short while experience blurry vision, scratchiness or dryness in your eyes, or even light sensitivity. Just let your doctor know and they will work with you through the symptoms until you are fully recovered and can enjoy new life with your eyes.