As we age, our eyes can become one of the first places to show signs of aging. Fortunately, with a few simple lifestyle changes and regular eye exams, you can keep your eyes healthy and younger-looking for years to come.
Here are a few tips for younger-looking, healthy eyes:
Eat healthy foods
Foods that are high in vitamins C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, support your eye health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish in your diet to keep your eyes looking their best.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough rest isn’t just important for your body—it’s essential for your eyes too. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night.¹ If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
Protect your eyes from the sun
Too much sun can take a toll on your eyes and even speed up signs of aging. Always wear sunglasses when you’re outside, and look for ones that block 100% of UV rays.
You might also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and eyes from the sun. If you need to wear eyeglasses to see clearly, invest in a pair of quality prescription sunglasses. They’ll protect your eyes while making outdoor activities, like driving or spending time outside, much more comfortable.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is bad for your health in many ways, including its effects on your eyesight. Smokers are more likely to develop cataracts (a condition that causes cloudy vision) than non-smokers.²
They’re also at an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration (a condition that can lead to vision loss).² If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your eye health—not to mention your overall health!
Exercise regularly
Exercise is good for your whole body, including your eyes. It increases blood flow and helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise three or four times per week should be enough to see benefits.
Take breaks from screens
Too much time looking at screens—whether it’s computers, phones, or TVs—can contribute to digital eye strain. This condition can cause symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, neck pain, and fatigue. To help reduce digital eye strain, take breaks every 20 minutes or so to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds or more. And when you can, try to spend time outdoors in natural light rather than being indoors under artificial light all day long.
See your eye doctor regularly
Even if you don’t think anything is wrong with your eyes, it’s important to see an eye doctor regularly. A qualified, expert optometrist like the eye doctors at Vision Salon Eye Care Associates in Blue Island can detect problems early on and help prevent them from worsening over time.
Keep your eyes looking and feeling their best
If it’s been a while since your last eye checkup, now is a great time to book a comprehensive eye exam with the experts at Vision Salon Eye Care Associates in Blue Island. Regular exams help catch potential issues early and keep your eyes healthy for the future.
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