Our eyes are an essential part of our well-being, but it’s easy to take them for granted. As we get older, we may start to notice some changes in our vision. However, there are ways for us to protect our eyesight and prevent further decline so that we can continue seeing the world around us. Keepi...

Our eyes are an essential part of our well-being, but it’s easy to take them for granted. As we get older, we may start to notice some changes in our vision. However, there are ways for us to protect our eyesight and prevent further decline so that we can continue seeing the world around us.

Keeping our bodies healthy will also help our eyes. Being active decreases your risk of health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, which can have side effects that cause eye problems. Part of staying healthy means keeping a well-balanced diet. Dark leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, or collard greens are full of antioxidant vitamins that will help your vision. Citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are also rich in vitamin C. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, such as salmon or tuna, help prevent dry eye syndrome and glaucoma.

With summer in session, warm weather and sunlight means more outdoor activities. Excessive exposure to UV radiation could cause long-term damage to the eyes, especially for children, whose retinas are less developed. It’s important to remember to wear sunglasses that can block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation, even on cloudy days where sunlight can still shine through.

We all like using our phones, laptops, or televisions for entertainment or work. However, staring at a screen for too long will tire out your eyes, causing digital eye strain. Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes and make sure the screen glare isn’t too harsh.

For those that are using contacts or glasses, it can be easy to forget to clean them thoroughly. Always wash your hands before touching your contacts and disinfect them. Replace them routinely and clean your lens case too. Wash your glasses at least once a day with detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth. Keeping them clean means, your eyes won’t have to strain to see past any smudges or dust.

Whether your vision is perfect or not, it’s important to routinely go to the eye doctor. Many eye diseases don’t have warning signs, so it’s best to check for them sooner rather than later. You may not notice any small changes to your vision, but your eyes will still be working harder, so it’s best to get them checked to make any adjustments to your glasses or contacts.