As you age, your eye health naturally begins to decline. In fact, about 12 million people in the United States over the age of 40 live with some level of vision impairment.

And while some of this is unavoidable, there are things you can do to improve your eye health, regardless of your age – no medication required!

To help you in this endeavor, we’ve compiled a list of 7 of the best things you can do to improve natural eye care.

Let’s get started!

1. Improve Your Diet

With so much junk food readily available, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet. But if you truly want to improve your health, you need to take a serious look at what you’re putting into your body on a daily basis and make adjustments.

Over time, poor diet choices can lead to a myriad of serious health conditions, many of which affect your vision. Your diet should consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables, with lean proteins and healthy fats and carbohydrates mixed in.

You should also eat foods that have been proven to boost eye health. These include berries and vegetables that include carotenoids such as carrots, squash, and bell peppers.

2. Manage Your Weight

Obesity is an epidemic and shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially when you consider the fact that it causes so many life-threatening conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, and arterial disease are just a few of the risks and all three are damaging to eye health.

Making improvements to your diet will do wonders for your weight, but you should also include regular exercise in your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity, preferably more.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym! If you hate the gym, don’t force yourself to go. You won’t stick to your new habit.

Instead, participate in a type of physical activity you enjoy. This can be taking your dog for a walk in the evenings, going for a dip in the neighborhood pool, or taking a bike ride with your children. Anything that gets your body moving!

3. Wear Sunglasses

Although sunlight is crucial to our mental and physical health, it’s also damaging to your eyes. To protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, wear sunglasses any time you’re outdoors, even if it’s cloudy.

And not just any sunglasses, as most cheaper pairs don’t actually protect your eyes. Invest in a pair that blocks 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Also, wearing a hat and sunscreen never hurts! 

4. Quit Smoking

There are certain risk factors you can’t avoid, such as age and genetics. But tobacco products are some of the worst things you can introduce into your body and the use of them is completely optional.

Simply put, if you’re a smoker, quit today. It will be difficult, and it may take time, but you’ll be amazed by how much better you feel once you’re free of the addiction. Not to mention, you’ll be doing your body, including your eyes, a huge favor.

5. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is something of a miracle drink. It promotes heart health, weight loss, and healthy skin, as well as reducing your risk of cancer, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Even if green tea isn’t your favorite, the benefits of drinking it are too good to pass up. Because on top of all of the health benefits already mentioned, green tea helps to defend your eyes against retina and lens damage. In doing so, it reduces your risk of developing cataracts and other conditions.

6. Be Careful with Screens

From work to entertainment, much of our lives are spent in front of screens. Modern technology is a magical thing but is horrible for your eyes. 

If you have no choice but to be in front of a screen for most of the day, make a conscious effort to care for your eyes. Do what you can to avoid glare, be sure you’re blinking often, and consider wearing glasses that lower the screen’s intensity.

In addition, always practice the 20/20/20 rule. To do so, set a timer on your phone or computer for 20 minutes. Every time it goes off, look away from your screen and stare at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 

7. Get Regular Eye Exams

Taking the natural approach with your eye care can do wonders for your eye health. That said, you still need to get regular eye exams to check for any major issues that can’t be treated at home.

Early detection is often the key to effective treatment. Get an eye exam at least every 2 to 4 years unless you have glasses, in which case you’ll need one once a year.

If you don’t have a regular optometrist, a quick internet search will reveal the best options in your area. Simply type in eye doctor and your city, such as “Eye Doctor Idaho Falls.” You’ll be greeted with optometrists near you and reviews for each. 

Improve Your Eye Health with This Guide to Natural Eye Care

Taking care of your eyes is extremely important – they’re the only ones you have, after all! By using these natural eye care tips, you’ll keep your eyesight healthier well into your later years.

Remember, even if you’re going the natural route, it’s always a good idea to check with your physician now and then. Your doctor can also give you some great tips for giving all aspects of your health a boost from home!

Looking for more tips on improving your health naturally? Check out our blog!