You may not realize how much your eyesight impacts you. Your eyesight affects your ability to drive, work, exercise, communicate and operate independently in the outside world. Poor vision is dangerous and can affect your safety. Good vision helps you to function properly in the brain. Understanding that healthy eyesight affects nearly all aspects of your life is the first step in protecting Your vision. Why you need to take eye care seriously
1.
Brain function is supported by healthy vision
When you lose your vision, your brain has to work harder to process visual details. Your brain must work harder when your eyesight declines to process the visual detail. The extra effort can cause fatigue and affect your focus when performing activities such as driving and reading that require sustained visual attention.
It is easier to remember and process information when you have good eyesight. You can be more productive in the workplace.
2. Strengthening vision helps with physical coordination
When your vision is poor, it’s hard to do certain physical activities. It’s important to remember this when performing daily tasks, exercising or playing sports. Even a small decrease in clarity of vision can affect coordination.
Your eyes are constantly assessing depth, speed, distance and movement. A good vision will not make you an athlete. However, it can help you improve depth perception, peripheral awareness and your overall athletic ability.
Lasik surgery is often chosen by people who wear glasses every day. It makes life easier. The American Refractive Surgery Council reports that more than 96% patients are happy with the results and 90% have 20/20 or better vision.
3. Independent living is possible with good eyesight
It is common to think of vision loss as an inconvenience. However, it can reduce your independence, making it difficult for you to work, drive and do hobbies.
According to the National Eye Institute, vision impairment can increase a person’s dependency on caregivers while negatively affecting their quality of living.
A slight decrease in your vision could make you more unsafe to drive, particularly at night and in the rain. Maintaining your eye health will help you to maintain independence and freedom.
4. A comprehensive eye examination can improve your health.
A yearly eye examination can detect warning signs that could indicate a serious condition elsewhere. This gives you the time necessary to address it before your health is compromised.
An eye examination can, for example reveal the symptoms of
- Brain stroke
- Heart Disease
- Some cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia (and breast cancer)
- Diabetes
- Blood pressure
- High Cholesterol
When you put your eye health first, even if you have perfect vision, you are more likely to get a yearly exam that will alert you of any underlying conditions.
Protect your eyesight in 6 easy steps
1. Nutrition is the focus
Your eyes need nutrients and water to work properly, just like any other organ in your body. Smoking, eating processed food, and living a sedentary life can lead to vision issues.
Omega-3 fatty acid is essential for the retinal health of your eyes. You can find it in walnuts, salmon, sardines and flaxseed. Dehydration can cause dry eyes, blurred vision and other problems. Make sure to drink enough water each day.
2. Eye strain can be reduced by reducing the sources.
Try to reduce the amount of time spent online if you are spending hours at your phone or computer.
When using your device, follow the rule 20-20-20: every 20 minutes look away from something at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds.
3. When needed, wear sunglasses
When you are spending long periods of time outdoors, it is a good idea to wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB.
Although you need UV light to function, excessive exposure increases your risk for cataracts and eye damage.
4. Get blue light filtering glasses
Blue light-blocking glasses can help prevent circadian rhythm disturbances that lead to sleep problems when you spend long periods of time on your computer, particularly late at night.
5. Blink often
Blink more frequently when you use devices that have screens to prevent your eyes from drying.
6. Update your glasses prescription
Get a prescription for new glasses if your old ones don’t fit your vision.
Preventing permanent eye problems by protecting your eyesight.
Proactively protecting your vision can have long-term positive effects on your quality of life. It will be easier to go about your daily routine, work, exercise, drive, and maintain your independence. Prevention is key, as vision problems are often gradual.
