Leadnaija
Your eyes work hard every day. Whether you’re staring at a screen, reading a book or going about your daily activities, your vision plays a vital role in your overall well-being. Although poor eyesight can be caused by genetics, age or medical conditions, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help protect and even improve your vision naturally. Here are some practical tips to try:
1. Eat for your eyes
Good nutrition is key to healthy eyesight. Foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, can help ward off age-related vision problems. Include leafy greens like spinach and kale, colourful vegetables such as carrots and red peppers, citrus fruits, oily fish like salmon and tuna, and eggs in your diet. These provide essential nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin that support eye health.
2. Take regular screen breaks
Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple way to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This reduces eye fatigue and helps prevent dry or irritated eyes.
3. Practise eye exercises
While they won’t cure serious eye conditions, simple eye exercises may strengthen your eye muscles and improve focus. Try slowly rolling your eyes in a circular motion, shifting focus from a nearby object to a distant one, or palming your eyes by covering them lightly with your hands to relax them.
4. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water helps maintain eye moisture and prevents dryness. Dehydration can lead to irritation, redness and blurred vision, so ensure you’re drinking at least six to eight glasses of water daily.
5. Get enough sleep
Your eyes need rest just like the rest of your body. Quality sleep helps restore and repair tissues, including those in your eyes. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to reduce strain and puffiness and support overall eye function.
6. Wear sunglasses
UV rays can harm your eyes over time, increasing the risk of cataracts and other issues. Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection when you’re outdoors, even on cloudy days.
7. Stop smoking
Smoking is linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and damage to the optic nerve. Quitting smoking improves your overall health and protects your vision long term.
8. Keep up with eye exams
Regular eye tests help detect vision changes or eye diseases early. An optometrist can spot problems that may not have symptoms in the early stages and recommend the right treatment or corrective lenses if needed.
