How Can I Prevent My Eyesight From Getting Worse?

Do you wear sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection every time you are outdoors?

Do you wear goggles during sports, construction work or home repairs?

Do you wear special goggles and lens covers to block short-wavelength visible light?

If you work on a computer for a long time, do you rest your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look away from the computer and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)?

If you wear contacts, do you always wash your hands before putting them on or taking them out, and do you disinfect them regularly to prevent eye infections?

If you are a smoker, have you stopped smoking?

Do you eat a balanced diet (diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and whole grains)?

Do you exercise regularly?

Do you have an eye exam every year?

If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis, do you manage to keep it under control?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help prevent your eyesight from getting worse. The American Optometric Association recommends regular eye examinations for adults, at least every two years, because vision problems can often develop without obvious signs. You should protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection. You can wear specially designed goggles when doing construction work or playing sports. If you look at the computer for a long time, be sure to rest your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule. If you wear contact lenses, handle them only with clean hands and disinfect them regularly.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent your eyesight from getting worse. Nowadays, most digital devices emit lights of shorter wavelengths ("blue light"), so special glasses and lens covers are now available that can protect your eyes. You should not smoke because smoking exposes your eyes to harmful chemicals, compromises circulation to the eye, which increases the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Exercise helps remove toxins from the body, improves circulation and increases oxygen levels in the eyes. People with diabetes or high blood pressure should have more frequent eye examinations.