Around 65% of all adults have some vision issues, requiring glasses and other corrective measures. These vision issues often begin in childhood and progressively worsen as we age.

While having less than 20/20 vision is relatively common, there are ways to slow eyesight degeneration and prevent eye health issues.

Read on to learn the basic habits that contribute to good eyesight.

Eat for Your Eyes

The food you eat can play a crucial role in your eye health. Some foods are especially helpful for the eyes, including foods high in vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and other nutrients.

If you want to eat food for good eyesight, try adding these to your diet:

  • leafy greens like kale and spinach
  • oranges
  • nuts
  • sweet potato
  • fatty fish like salmon
  • green peppers
  • tomato
  • carrots

Wear Eye Protection

An important part of proper eye care is shielding your eyes from environmental damage.

At a minimum, wear sunglasses when outdoors or in your car. Just like how the sun can damage your skin, it can also damage your eyes. Sunglasses keep harmful rays from hurting your peepers.

If you work in an environment where there’s a risk of objects or debris getting into your eyes, wear protective eye gear. This can include safety glasses, goggles, or face shield.

Stop Smoking

You already know that smoking is bad for your health, and it can impact your eyes too. In fact, smoking has been linked to vision loss and blindness.

People who smoke are more likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. If you’re a smoker, consider this your reminder to kick the habit now.

And if you live with a smoker, keep in mind that secondhand exposure may negatively impact your eyes too. Encourage them to stop smoking or only smoke outdoors.

Don’t Forget to Rest

Your eyes do a lot of work every day, and like any other body part, they require rest.

Make sure to get enough shut eye every night to help rest your eyes, and try applying a warm compress to especially tired eyes. If you regularly work with computers or other screens, try to look away from your devices at least every 20 minutes to prevent eyestrain.

Visit Your Doctor

An ophthalmologist, or eye doctor, plays an important role in caring for your eyes. They can check your eyes and vision for any issues or changes.

A doctor can also recommend treatments to keep your eyes in shape. They should have all the latest knowledge on treating a range of conditions, such as presbyopia. Read about treatments for presbyopia and how a doctor can help.

Try These Habits for Good Eyesight

If you’re worried about blurriness and bad eyesight, stop squinting and try these important tips. Good eyesight can be yours by following a few healthy habits.

For more advice on staying healthy, check out our latest health articles!