Vision begins to deteriorate sooner than many people realize. Adopting certain habits early in life will help protect your vision as you age. Dr. L R Gabe, prominent eye doctor in Show Low, AZ, has seen which tips truly work during his 40 years of practice. He’s outlined four pointers below that will help you care for your sight at home between visits to his office.

Show Low Eye Doctor Shares 4 Ways to Protect Vision

1. Watch Your Diet

The foods you eat have a major impact on all aspects of your health, including vision. A diet rich in Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other eye-friendly nutrients will fight against age-induced macular degeneration. Good sources of these vitamins include carrots, peppers, egg yolks, broccoli, spinach, and fish.

2. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect against ultraviolet rays that can harm the eye’s lens. Untreated lens damage results in cataracts, a disease characterized by extremely cloudy vision. Further, an injured lens allows the sun’s visible light through. These colored rays can eventually cause blindness by doing irreversible damage to the retina. 

3. Stay Active

Exercise protects against high blood pressure and high cholesterol — both of which can lead to progressive vision loss. Further, routine activity helps maintain your recommended weight so your risk of vision-impairing diseases, such as diabetes, is greatly reduced. Finally, exercise promotes blood flow that ensures the eyes are getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.

4. Get Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are the most effective tool for protecting your sight. A licensed eye doctor can spot early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and other conditions that are detrimental to your vision if found too late. The eye care center can perform specialty testing to check for additional risk factors. Patients who wear glasses or contacts should continue routine visits to ensure they’re using the correct prescription. Lenses that are too weak continue to strain the eyes and hinder vision care.

Maintaining a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise, wearing your sunglasses, and visiting your eye doctor at least once per year will help protect your 20/20 vision for years to come. If you’re overdue for an eye exam, it’s time to visit the office of Dr. L R Gabe. Call (928) 537-5565 to make an appointment, or visit their website to request more information.