Ways to improve vision outside the eye doctor’s office

Did you know that keeping regular appointments at the ophthalmologist is not the last way to maintain the health of your eyes? Trust me, there’s a lot you can do outside the office to improve vision.

According to ophthalmologist Fernando Drudiin fact some simple daily habits can help a lot.

“The eyes make up the visual system, one of the most important senses we have. Preserving our vision is essential to maintain our quality of life”, he emphasizes.

Eating the right foods, using protection and even exercising can help you see better, according to professionals. Next, we explain better how this is possible!

8 ways to improve your eyesight

1

Consume foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals

According to science, vitamins A, C and E, as well as the mineral zinc, contain antioxidants that can help prevent macular degeneration – a condition in which the macula, which is the part of the eye that controls central vision, deteriorates.

Dietary sources of these important nutrients include a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits, such as:

Carrots; Red peppers; Broccoli; Spinach; Strawberries; Sweet potato.

In addition, foods rich in omega-3s such as salmon are also recommended to improve eye health.

two

Know your family’s eye health history

Some eye conditions are hereditary, so being aware of your parents’ or grandparents’ conditions can help you take precautions.

Hereditary conditions include:

Glaucoma; retinal degeneration; Age-related macular degeneration; Optic atrophy.

3

Keep hands and lenses clean

Your eyes are especially vulnerable to germs and infections, so even things that just irritate your eyes can also affect your vision. Therefore, you should always wash your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses.

It is also very important to wash your hands and disinfect your contact lenses as directed, and finally, replace your lenses as recommended by the manufacturer or your doctor, as germs from them can lead to bacterial eye infections.

4

Also add these two nutrients

Some other nutrients are also essential for improving eyesight. Among them are lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids found in the retina, which also help protect the macula by improving the pigment density in that part of the eye and absorbing ultraviolet and blue light.

You can find these two minerals in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, zucchini and eggs, as well as consuming them in supplement form.

5

practice physical exercise

Yes, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can also help your eyes, as some diseases common in overweight or obese people, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can damage your vision.

“These diseases can lead to irreversible damage to the retina, often leading to blindness if not treated early. These diseases also increase the incidence of other ocular pathologies such as cataracts and retinal vascular occlusions” explains Drudi.

6

manage chronic conditions

Diabetes isn’t the only disease that can affect your vision. Other conditions, like high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis, are linked to chronic inflammation, which can damage your health from head to toe, including your eyes.

Inflammation of the optic nerve, for example, can cause pain and even total loss of vision.

It is noteworthy that, although a disease like multiple sclerosis cannot be prevented, it is possible to try to control it with healthy habits and medications.

High blood pressure can be treated effectively with a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and antihypertensive medications.

7

wear goggles

Whether you’re playing footvolley, working in the garage or doing school work, it’s vital to protect your eyes with proper eyewear.

Resistant and protective accessories are essential if there is a risk of chemicals, sharp objects or materials such as pieces of wood, metal chips or even a lost elbow during a game of volleyball or football, for example.

Many goggles are even made with a type of polycarbonate, which is about 10 times stronger than other forms of plastic.

8

include sunglasses

Sunglasses aren’t just for giving a more fashionable look. Its use is one of the most important steps when it comes to improving eyesight.

“Choose one that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the sides. Polarized lenses reduce glare while driving, but don’t necessarily offer additional protection,” recommends ophthalmologist Marcelo Brito.

And he adds: “If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. Still, it’s a good idea to wear sunglasses for an extra layer.”

In addition, wide-brimmed hats can also help protect your eyes from sun damage.