Boost Your Vision: Simple Habits for Healthier Eyes (International Edition)

Our eyes are invaluable treasures, essential for our interaction with the world around us. It’s no wonder then that we frequently hear reminders about safeguarding them. However, what steps should we take to shield these delicate organs?

By incorporating several straightforward and efficient practices, you can sustain good eye health, lower the chance of visual impairment, and keep your eyesight sharp as you age.

Let's examine key lifestyle modifications that can protect your vision and enhance your eyesight both currently and as you age.

Eat a healthy diet

ALSO READ: Can eating gari impact your vision? Distinguishing truth from myth.

You didn’t think we would begin anywhere but here, right? A healthy diet leads to overall well-being, including better eye health. If clearer vision is what you're after, focus on refining your dietary choices. Vitamins such as A, C, and E, minerals like zinc and selenium, alongside antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, can help ward off age-related ocular problems.

Quit smoking

Many have been told repeatedly about the numerous adverse effects of smoking. Yet, an impact that rarely gets discussed is deteriorating vision. The detrimental influence of smoking on ocular health is significant enough that specialists frequently advise middle-aged individuals to quit smoking to avoid age-related conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and dry-eye syndrome.

Moreover, cigarettes often contain a harmful substance that can lead to inflammation and impede blood flow to the eyes.

Reduce screen time

It’s common knowledge that extended periods in front of screens can harm your vision. This often leads to problems such as eyestrain, dryness, and fatigue. As a result, experts usually suggest minimizing screen exposure whenever feasible. But if cutting down on screen time isn’t an option for you, consider purchasing and wearing glasses with lenses designed to block blue light to help lessen these effects.

Stay hydrated

Don’t overlook the significance of staying well-hydrated. Becoming dehydrated can lead to mood swings, dry eyes, and fatigue. To maintain eye moisture effectively, ensure you drink ample amounts of water and other fluids regularly during the day. Additionally, choose food items rich in water such as watermelons, cucumbers, and celery to help keep your eyes moisturized.

Blink More

ALSO READ: 7 methods to enhance your vision naturally

When you're focused on screens, you blink less - which leads to dry, irritated eyes.

Make a conscious effort to blink fully and often, especially when working or binge-watching. The best way to think of it is as a spa treatment for your eyes. Every time you blink, you're giving your eyes the treat it needs to stay strong and refreshed.

Wear Sunglasses (Even When It's Not Fashion Week)

The Nigerian sun isn’t just hot - it's harsh on your eyes too. Exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

So we recommend investing in good-quality sunglasses that block 99%–100% of UVA and UVB rays. It give you the fly look, while protecting your eyes from the damage that this sunny season can do to it.

That’s all there is to it – keeping your eyes healthy isn’t complicated. It simply requires being mindful of particular routines. Remember to schedule regular visits with an optometrist, particularly as you get older. This way, they can assess your ocular health and provide personalized guidance for you.