Vision loss is a major problem that interrupts daily life. It’s also more common than you think. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 93 million adults in the US are at high risk of vision loss. Although you can’t always restore the vision loss you’ve experienced, it doesn’t mean you can’t take precautions to protect your eyes going forward.
You’d be surprised by how easy it is to put your vision at the forefront of your wellness. Try implementing these simple habits into your daily routine to protect your eye health today.
Exposing your eyes to ultraviolet rays may cause damage over time. Wearing sunglasses can block harmful UV light, lowering your risk of eye diseases like cataracts, sunburn, eye cancer and growths around the eye, per the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Polarized glasses with smoke or gray lenses may offer the best protection against the sun’s rays and reduce glare.
2. Take screen breaks
Prolonged screen time can cause dry eyes, pain in the neck and shoulders, blurred vision, headaches and digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. The American Optometric Association recommends using the 20-20-20 rule to prevent computer vision syndrome. Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3. Take book breaks, too
Screen time isn’t the only way to strain your eyes. When you read a book, you probably hold it up close for long periods, too. Both activities can lead to nearsightedness, or myopia, which means faraway objects are blurry, while up-close things are clear. Just like you should use the 20-20-20 rule to take screen breaks, you should also use this rule for book breaks. If you find yourself engrossed in what you’re reading or doing on the computer, set an alarm so you don’t miss your 20-minute break.