Eye and Vision Health Conditions

Let’s talk about statistics, shall we? Are you aware that over 61 million American adults are at risk of vision loss? Sadly, despite their risk of vision impairment only half of the 61 million have made an appointment with an eye doctor within the year. According to surveys, 12 million people who are 40 years old and above are already suffering from vision problems, 1 million are completely blind; 3 million are diagnosed with vision impairment after correction and 8 million have vision problems as a result of uncorrected refractive error.

Based on these figures, it goes without saying that millions of people, not just in America but also all over the world suffer from vision problems every year. Some visual problems can be corrected through the use of glasses and lenses but when visual problems are left uncorrected they can lead to permanent blindness. The National Eye Institute forecasts that by year 2050 the number of glaucoma, cataract, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy cases will double.

Most people think that vision problems are part of life especially as we age. This, of course, is not true. As long as you care for your eyes you will be able to preserve your eyesight even when you’re older. How can you improve your eyesight, protect your eyes and prevent eye diseases? Let’s find out.

The following are ways to help preserve and protect your vision:

Have Your Eyes Regularly Checked

One of the best ways to care for your eyes is to see an eye doctor regularly even when you feel fine. Don’t wait until you experience visual problems before you go see an eye specialist. The reason why regular eye exam is important is so that early visual problems are detected. Even though you feel that your vision is fine you can’t be 100% sure unless an eye specialist says so. An eye exam will determine if you’ll need glasses or contact lenses and it will also detect eye problems before they get worse.

Consume Foods That Are Good For Your Eyes

Do you know that there are certain foods that actually promote eye health? Yes, that’s right. There are foods that are good for your eyes. A diet that consists of fruits and vegetables specifically green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens are good for your eyes as they are rich in antioxidants that help prevent cataract formation. Studies also show that certain fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like mackerel, halibut, tuna, sardines and salmon help enhance eye health.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Individuals who are overweight and obese have a high risk of developing systemic disorders like diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes can cause complications and one of its complications is vision loss. In order to protect your eyesight you need to maintain a healthy weight. How do you do that? We recommend you do cardio exercises three times a week for at least 30 minutes a day. Watch what you eat and as much as possible avoid fatty and sugary food and drinks as these are packed with unhealthy calories.

Wear Sunglasses When You’re Outside

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement, they actually serve a very important purpose and that is to protect your eyes against ultraviolet rays. When you’re out in the sun don’t forget to grab your pair of shades. When choosing your sunglasses always look at its safety features first before style. Find a pair that block 100% of UVA and UVB.

Don’t ever take your eyes for granted because regret always comes last. As early as now, do everything you can to protect them. It also helps to partner with a reliable eye health specialist.