Safeguarding your vision is a lifelong task. Leading eye-care professionals recommend that adopting healthy habits not only protects eyes now but helps prevent issues down the road. Here are four expert tips to help maintain your eyesight:

  1. Schedule regular eye exams
    Even without noticeable vision issues, yearly or biennial comprehensive eye exams are vital. They detect hidden problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. As the National Eye Institute and Ocala Eye experts stress, early interventions can safeguard vision.

  2. Follow a vision-boosting diet
    Nutrition plays a major role in eye health. Essential nutrients include vitamins A, C, E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, fish, nuts, and eggs are recommended. These support retina health and may lower risks of age-related degeneration.

  3. Protect your eyes from UV and screen strain
    On sunny days, wear sunglasses that block 100% UV rays and consider a wide-brimmed hat. Indoors, follow the 20‑20‑20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—to reduce digital eye strain.

  4. Prioritize healthy lifestyle habits
    Avoid smoking to decrease risks of cataracts and macular degeneration. Maintain regular physical activity and manage health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can harm vision. Staying well-hydrated also supports tear production and overall eye comfort.

Protecting your vision doesn’t require drastic changes, just consistent, simple habits. From scheduling exams and eating well to shielding your eyes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, these expert-backed strategies can help your eyes stay sharper for longer.

By Staff Writer, Courtesy of Forbes | September 22, 2024 | Edited for WTFwire.com
Sources: NIH National Eye Institute