Five Surprising Ways to Save your Vision | Save Your Vision Month

Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing vision problems. Although we do not have control over some things, such as age and family history, we know the choices we make can play a role in keeping our eyes healthy and maintaining good vision. 

March is “Save Your Vision Month.” It is a reminder that the things we do may affect our eyesight. The good news is there are many things we can do to keep our eyes as healthy as possible, reduce the risk of eye problems, and save our vision. Here is a look at some ways to preserve your eyesight that might surprise you. 

Eat your greens. 

Although the saying “you are what you eat” is not exactly accurate, your dietary choices do affect your health. One of the better choices you can make for eye health is eating dark green veggies. Dark, leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard, contain beta carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These nutrients help protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. Incorporate dark greens into your diet by adding them to sandwiches, omelets, and juices.
​

Workout regularly. 

We know exercise strengthens our muscles, bones, and heart, but it also has several other benefits. Research in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science found that regular exercise may help delay age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Exercise may help provide protection against abnormal blood vessel growth, which causes one form of AMD.

Regular exercise also reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy. By lowering your risk of diabetes, you also reduce your risk of related eye diseases. The American Heart Association recommends adults get about 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Good choices for aerobic exercise include aerobic classes, brisk walking, and biking. 
​

Don’t smoke. 

We know that smoking is a risk factor for certain conditions such as heart disease, but it is also bad for your vision. Smoking cigarettes may damage the blood vessels in the body, including the eyes.

Damage to the blood vessels may increase your risk of developing some eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people that smoke have twice the risk of developing macular degeneration as nonsmokers. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about ways to quit, such as medication or nicotine replacement products. 
​

Get enough shuteye. 

If you don’t get enough sleep, you know it can make you less alert, disturb your ability to concentrate, and even affect your mood. Lack of sleep can also have adverse effects on your eyes. When we sleep, it gives our body a chance to rest and recharge.

Not getting enough sleep can make your eyes red, tired, and sore. That annoying eye twitching that we sometimes get may also be caused by a lack of sleep. Although it can be challenging, try to get eight hours of sleep each night. 
​

Add omega-3 fatty acid to your diet. 

Omega-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid) is important to maintain a healthy retina. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that is beneficial for good eye health. Some studies show that it may have a role in decreasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Good sources of omega-3 include sardines, flaxseed oil, and salmon. If you cannot get enough foods with omega-3 in your diet, consider taking a supplement.

If you have any questions about ways to save your vision and keep your eyes healthy, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.