In order to prevent diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma, which may cause blind spots or even complete blindness in some patients, it’s important to take care of your eyesight as you age. The older you get, the more likely your vision will decline if you don’t put in work to maintain it. To keep your eyes healthy, make sure to include these four steps into your daily routine. They’ll help you live comfortably with clear vision until you’re 100 years old!
Why it’s important
We all know that exercising our bodies is important for maintaining our physical health. But did you know that exercising your eyes is just as important? Just like the muscles in your body, the muscles in your eyes need to be worked out to stay strong and healthy. Here are a few ways you can give your eyes a workout
Improving vision throughout life
Most people think that once they reach a certain age, their vision is set in stone. But that’s not necessarily true! Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need exercise to stay sharp. Here are a few tips for keeping your vision strong throughout life
Getting outdoors more often
You know that feeling when you finally step outside after being cooped up indoors all day? Turns out, fresh air does your body good—including your eyes. We evolved outdoors, so our eyes are meant to function best in natural light, says Mark Johnston, O.D., a clinical professor of optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Being in nature also allows your eyes to relax and focus on objects at varying distances, which gives them a much-needed break from staring at screens all day.
Staying active
Regular exercise is important for overall health, but did you know it’s also beneficial for your eyesight? Staying active can help reduce your risk of developing certain eye conditions, and it can also help improve vision in people who already have some vision problems.
Looking after your eyesight with diet
We all know that eating healthy foods can help our bodies in myriad ways. But did you know that what you eat also plays a role in maintaining healthy vision? A well-rounded diet that includes certain nutrients can help keep your eyesight sharp as you age. Here are some foods to include in your diet for healthy vision
Getting enough sleep
Sleep is critical for our overall health, and that includes the health of our eyes. When we don’t get enough sleep, our eyes can become red and irritated, and we may even experience blurry vision. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to more serious problems like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. So how much sleep do we need? Most experts recommend seven to eight hours per night. But if you’re not getting that much, don’t despair – even a short nap can help refresh your eyes and improve your vision.
Using computer glasses when needed
If you’re like most people, you probably spend a lot of time staring at screens. Whether it’s your computer at work, your phone on the go, or your tablet at home, all that screen time can take a toll on your eyes. But there’s no need to worry! There are plenty of things you can do to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.
Eye Exercises (for when you have time/if you’re into that sort of thing)
You know that exercising is good for your overall health, but did you know that it’s also good for your eyesight? Just like the rest of your muscles, your eye muscles need a workout to stay strong and healthy. And just like any other type of exercise, eye exercises can help improve your vision and prevent age-related vision problems.
Here are a few simple exercises you can do to give your eyes a workout:
1. Roll your eyes. Yes, it sounds silly, but rolling your eyes is actually a great way to exercise the muscles around your eyes. Plus, it’s really easy to do! Just sit up straight and slowly roll your eyes in a circle, first in one direction and then in the other.
