80% of what you perceive about the world comes from your sense of sight, so it is highly important to maintain strong eye health. Often, quality of eyesight is affected by aging, but there are many ways and lifestyle changes to combat this.
We live in a time where people viewing screens for long periods of time on a regular basis is an everyday occurrence, for individuals of all ages. The Cleveland Eye Clinic describes a helpful tool to prevent harmful eye strain from screens. The 20/20/20 rule is a tactic that prompts, if you are looking at a screen for 20 minutes, you need to then take a break and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help to give your eyes a much-needed break and reduce eye strain.
Besides screen breaks, there are several other ways to avoid or minimize eye related problems. Eating foods rich in vitamin C or antioxidants can immensely reduce the risk of AMD, age-related macular degeneration. Not only can wearing your prescription glasses everyday help your eyesight, but wearing sunglasses on a daily basis will protect your eyes and eyelids from dangerous UV rays.
Going to the eye doctor annually is the best way to maintain healthy vision. Eye exams can help monitor any changes to your prescription as well as reveal any health problems related to the eyes. This can help reduce the change of vision problems or catch any issues early on.
Other ways to take proper care of your eyes include exercising, keeping indoor rooms well-lit, and stopping smoking.
Your vision may change as you age, but there are ways to help prolong strong eyesight and increase your quality of life. Implement these tips into your daily routine and make your eye health a priority!
McGregor’s Vision is to help older adults live their best life in their retirement years, building a lifestyle that suits them through our continuum of services providing the help you need- wherever you call home.
submitted: Gabrielle Carrara is a rising senior at Bowling Green State University, McGregor Marketing & Communications Intern 2023.