How to take care of your eyesight in six easy steps

Eyesight can deteriorate as you get older or as a result of certain health conditions. Below are a few ways you can protect and improve your vision.

1. Take breaks from your computer screen
Take a break from working on your computer every two to three hours. Ideally your break should be around 15 minutes and during this time you should look at objects that are a few meters away. Too much screen time can increase the chances of developing myopia (near-sightedness).

2. Make sure you work in good light
Sit next to a window while you work and make sure you have good quality light in your home. If it’s not possible to sit next to a window, then you can buy a natural light emitting bulb for your desk lamp (full spectrum UV bulbs).

3. Wear sunglasses when outdoors
Protecting your eyes from UV (ultraviolet light) is essential. Excessive exposure to UV light can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the eye such as pterygium. It’s important to remember that UV rays can pass through clouds and occur all year round, so it is best to wear sunglasses when outdoors.

4. Have your eyes examined regularly
Your eyes need to be regularly examined in order for you to keep your eyes healthy.  Even if you do not wear spectacles or contact lenses, you should have regular dilated eye exams. A dilated eye exam can help detect eye conditions in their early stages, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Regular eye exams become more important as you reach your 40s and 50s. If you  wear spectacles or contact lenses, you will need to monitor any changes in your sight and have your prescription updated by your optometrist.  At the same time, your optometrist can inform you of any vision problems that may be developing.  It is exceptionally important that a dilated eye exam is performed annually if you are diabetic. 

5. Manage your chronic conditions
Other health issues that can contribute to vision problems include high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, cancer, kidney disease and strokes. Getting the correct treatment for chronic conditions and living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing complications, such as eye problems.

6. Get enough Vitamin “See”
Vitamin A, C and E have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may lower the risk of macular degeneration. Take supplements or include foods in your diet that are rich in vitamin A, C and E.  Read more here about what foods include these vitamins.

Living a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods, exercising regularly, not smoking, wearing sunglasses and getting enough sleep, all contribute to your overall health as well as your eye health.