As America's population ages, vision and eye problems are becoming increasingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90 million people over the age of 40 experience vision and eye issues, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain eye health. Vision impairment can greatly affect one's quality of life, contributing to difficulties in performing daily activities and increasing the risk of injuries and depression.
Moreover, the number of individuals with visual impairments is estimated to rise in the coming decades, making proactive eye care more critical than ever. Fortunately, several simple habits can help maintain vision health and minimize the risk of developing eye problems later in life, which we'll explore below.
Daily habits for better vision
Practice yoga
Research has shown that certain yoga poses can be beneficial for eye health. In a Maedica study, performing skull-shining breath, sun salutations, and downward-facing dog were all associated with lower intraocular pressure. These yoga movements also increased ocular blood flow and decreased oxidative stress, further contributing to better vision. Lowering intraocular pressure is particularly important in preventing glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Meanwhile, increasing ocular blood flow ensures that the eyes receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen, and decreasing oxidative stress helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can be a holistic approach to maintaining healthy eyes.
Wear sunglasses
Shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays is essential in preventing eye conditions such as eyelid cancer, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The good news is that there's a stylish and easy solution for this. Studies have proven that wearing sunglasses reduces the doses of UV radiation wearers would have received without them. For complete sun protection, experts suggest looking for ones that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, like the Oakley 0OO9417 frames or the oversized 0RA5298U sunglasses from Ralph. Both of these pairs of sunglasses are equipped with UV400 filters, keeping your eyes safe from the damaging effects of sunlight.
Use blue light glasses
Workers surveyed in VSP's Workplace Vision Health Report described getting as much as 96.1 hours of screen time each week. 43% of respondents reported that their eye health is worsening as a result. Prolonged exposure to blue light from digital screens is known to cause eye strain, dryness, and discomfort.
One effective way to combat this is by using blue light glasses daily. These special glasses alleviate symptoms of eye strain by filtering out a portion of blue-violet light emitted by natural and artificial sources. On Target Optical, you can find a range of trendy frames like the Coach 0HC6078 and Oakley 0OX8046, which can be customized with anti-blue light filters. With these glasses, you can safeguard your vision and ensure comfort while working in front of screens.
Consume more protein
Studies indicate that nutrients like protein, vitamin A, and vitamin E can help slow down the development of AMD. Proteins such as collagen and elastin are also vital for the structure and function of the eye. Consuming adequate protein can thus support overall eye health. Protein bars from Rise offer a convenient and delicious way to increase your protein intake. Made with high-quality ingredients, including vitamin E-rich nuts and seeds, they can be a nutritious addition to your diet. What's more, Rise has plant-based pea protein bars, and peas are a great source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that protect your eyes from chronic diseases.
Taking proactive steps to care for your eyes is the key to ensuring long-term vision health. By implementing the daily habits outlined above, you can enjoy better vision and a higher quality of life as you age.
Written by Margaret James for risebar.com
