What Habits Prevent or Delay Wearing Glasses?
If your vision is starting to blur, and you may need glasses in the future, this article is for you. Did you know that over 60% of adults will need glasses by the time they reach 45? With simple eye health habits, you can delay the need for glasses and even prevent it.
Maintaining your vision delays wearing glasses - it's convenient, cost-effective, and let's be honest, who likes wearing glasses?
In this article, we'll cover science-backed habits to maintain your vision and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.
Drink Adequate Water
Good eye health depends on staying hydrated. Your eyes need water just like the rest of your body. Dry eyes can feel itchy and affect your vision. Drink plenty of water daily to maintain eye moisture.
Tip: If you still have dry eyes despite drinking enough water, consult your doctor as this could be due to allergies or infection.
Limit Your Screen Time
Focusing too much on digital screens causes eye strain and may lead to myopia. Break this habit with the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to relax your eye muscles.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a key role in eye health. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A, C, and E. Include carrots, sweet potatoes, berries, citrus fruits, and fish for Omega-3 fatty acids. Lutein from vegetables helps dodge age-related eye troubles like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams help detect vision changes early and prevent complications. The National Eye Institute recommends that adults have eye check-ups every year or two, even if your vision seems fine.
Spend Quality Time Outdoors
Natural light plays a crucial role in eye development. Studies suggest that people who get at least two hours of outdoor time daily are less likely to develop myopia. Take short breaks outside to benefit your eyes.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking contributes to numerous eye problems including cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your eye health.
Do Eye Exercises
Simple eye exercises can help reduce strain. Practice blinking intentionally and shift your focus from near to far objects. These actions help maintain eye strength and flexibility.
Maintain Ergonomics
Position your computer screen 20-28 inches from your eyes at eye level to reduce strain. Adjust font sizes to avoid squinting. If you work long hours on screens, consider blue-light blocking glasses.
Maintain Proper Lighting
Avoid reading or working under poor or excessively bright lighting. Maintain moderate lighting conditions to reduce eye strain, which can aggravate eyesight problems over time.
Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
Diabetes and hypertension can damage retinal blood vessels, leading to vision problems. Manage these conditions through proper diet, exercise, and medications to protect your eyes.
Limit Near Focusing in Children
Children with excessive screen time or reading are more likely to develop myopia. Limit their screen exposure and encourage outdoor activities to support both physical health and vision development.
The Final Thought
While many people experience vision problems, most don't follow healthy eye habits. You can minimize future vision issues and delay the onset of myopia by eating healthily, limiting screen time, spending time outdoors, and getting regular checkups.
Start with one habit today - take a screen break, schedule an eye exam, or add more vegetables to your diet. Small changes can make a big difference in preserving your vision!