People often take their eye vision for granted. This is because eye diseases don’t show any symptoms until they have progressed. People often only visit the doctor when they experience symptoms and neglect to go for regular checkups. This is why many eye diseases that could be prevented in their initial stages are undetected and cause much more damage than they would have with early detection.

Watch what you eat

Similar to all other diseases and general health, it is important to make sure that the right nutrients enter your body. Research has determined that omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, Vitamin C and Vitamin E may help delay age related eye disorders and may benefit eye vision in the long term. These nutrients can be obtained from foods such as green, leafy vegetables. Kale, spinach and collards are good sources of nutrient which benefit your eyes. Salmon, tuna and other fishes rich in oil have been recommended for better eye vision. Proteins which are obtained from non-meat sources such as beans, nuts and eggs have also been recommended. Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus juices such as oranges and limes.

Maintaining a healthy diet that would keep weight in check is also important. Weight increase may lead to diabetes which is one of the most common causes of adult blindness.

Stop Smoking

Smoking increases the chances of contracting eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage.

Wear Sunglasses

The harsh rays of the sun contain ultraviolet rays which may damage the eyes resulting in cataracts or macular degeneration. Choosing sunglasses that block out approximately 99% and even 100% of UVA and UVB rays reduces the risk of eye disorders. Some individuals neglect wearing sunglasses when they wear lenses with the belief that they protect the eyes from UV rays. Although correct to some extent, lenses are a poor way of protecting side vision and can still not protect the eyes from glare.

Safety Eye gear

Wear safety eye gear if you are handling hazardous materials. Wearing protective goggles is a measure which many neglect to follow. Eye injuries are very common and can lead to permanent damage. Sportspersons should also wear eye gear when practicing or playing to reduce the risk of eye injury. Sports masks with polycarbonate lenses are a good option for athletes to protect their eyes.

Stay Away from Light Displays

Light displays such as television, computer screens, gaming consoles and cellular phones are the number one cause of eye diseases today. Although there is no definite evidence whether the x-rays emitted from light displays are harmful to your eyes, staring at screens may still affect your eye vision. This is because of all the work that the eyes now need to do. Since displays need to be placed on close range, muscles in the eyes are strained for longer periods of time. This is especially difficult on individuals working desk jobs at computer terminals for more than 8 hours a day. This may lead to blurred vision, eyestrain, problems in focusing on objects at a distance, headaches and dry eyes.

Some people may wear glasses to help with contrast and glare. Readjusting the level of the chair so that the eye level corresponds with the top of the screen is a way of reducing the strain on the eyes since it enables you to look down at the screen rather than directly at it. Resting the eyes at intervals and blinking more are good ways of reducing the strain on eye muscles and maintaining better eye vision.