7 Easy and Effective Ways to Improve Vision That May Surprise You

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 21 million Americans experience some type of vision issue. Although many of these issues are relatively benign, other eye problems such as macular degeneration or glaucoma can result in vision loss and blindness. 

Many people begin to develop eye disorders in middle age, however, their symptoms might not occur until the condition is more advanced and harder or even impossible to treat. Some people might not even know they have an eye condition until their ophthalmologist identifies it during a routine eye examination. 

Although age is the main contributor to eye problems, there are many other factors that can negatively affect your eye health like smoking, diabetes, genetics, etc. We’ve collected some habits that might help you reduce your risk of developing eye diseases and keep your eyes healthy as long as possible: 

1. Go for a walk at least four times a week 

Physical activity makes everything much better in terms of your health, and eye health is not an exception. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, thus providing your tissues with oxygen efficiently. In fact, exercising at least 150 minutes a week can lower your risk of developing glaucoma by 40 percent or more. 

2. Give up smoking 

Smoking more than a pack a day can do a number to your eye health. Smokers develop changes in red-green and blue-yellow color vision and heavy smokers have a reduced ability to see colors and contrasts compared to nonsmokers. 

3. Check your blood pressure every month 

Your blood pressure matters as well. Lack of blood flow to the retina can lead to blurred vision or even blindness, while high blood pressure is bad for your entire body including your eyes. You can check your blood pressure yourself with a home blood pressure kit or at the doctor’s office. 

4. Visit your eye doctor regularly 

It’s essential to get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years, especially if you are older than 60 or have a history of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that are characterized by a damaged optic nerve. This condition is asymptomatic until it’s too late, and if identified early, it can be treated and managed in most people. When your eye doctor dilates your eyes, more light is let in and they are able spot many eye diseases. 

5. Consume spinach twice a week 

Spinach is an eye-friendly superfood that can help you prevent many eye problems. According to several studies, lutein, a nutrient found in spinach in abundance, can help prevent age-related macular degeneration. It’s also a good idea to consume more kale and collards as they are high in lutein and many essential antioxidants that help fight free radicals (molecules that can damage any tissue in your body, including your eyes) and prevent oxidative stress (too high levels of free radicals in the body). 

6. Consume fish twice a week 

In addition to improving cardiovascular, skin, and hair health, fish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna, salmon, and halibut might help protect your eyes from many diseases. The American Heart Association recommends consuming two servings of fish per week. 

7. Manage your allergies 

Since many allergies are accompanied by itchy eyes, it’s essential to manage them because vigorous eye rubbing might be harmful to the eye and can raise your risk of pink eye and other eye infections. Talk to your healthcare provider about eye drops or other allergy treatments that can alleviate the itch without affecting your vision.