Tools to maintain healthy eyesight

Conventional remedies for poor vision can include glasses and more extreme measures like lasik surgery, eye drops, and ointment. While these may be the right choice for some people, especially in the later stages of certain eye problems, there are many natural tools you can implement into your life now in order to improve vision and maintain eye health as you age.

1. Mitigate blue light exposure

If you can’t cut down on the amount of time spent looking at screens, invest in blue light filters for your digital devices or wear blue light-blocking glasses to reduce eye strain and protect your eyes. If you spend extended hours in front of a screen, you should also start practicing the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

2. Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control

Both high blood sugar and high blood pressure can result in the development of vision problems, specifically diabetic retinopathy.

3. Supplement with lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two powerful carotenoids - a type of antioxidant - found inside our retina responsible for protecting your eyes from blue and ultraviolet light. Supplementing with these two nutrients has been shown (9) to significantly improve eye health and delay the development of age-related eye problems by maintaining healthy vision.

I personally use LightBody’s Total Eye Health+ that contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and other targeted nutrients designed to support healthy hydration, retinal health, and mitigate eye strain.

4. Wear sunglasses

According to the National Eye Institute, (10) UV rays can modify lens proteins in your eyes leading to the development of cataracts and a decline in overall vision. Whenever you are outside, make sure to wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection as these ultraviolet rays penetrate your eye tissues more intensely than any other form of light.

5. Engage in regular physical activity

Studies have found a link (5) between poor vision and conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and low activity levels. Although researchers are still studying the exact mechanisms by which low activity levels impact eye health, the correlation is still an encouragement to engage in regular daily movement.

6. Assess your diet

Eating a diet full of clean, whole foods will ensure you get in a wide variety of necessary nutrients for optimal eye health. Focus on antioxidant-rich foods like dark leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, and berries to help protect your eyes from oxidative stress along with sources of omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and wild-caught salmon. 

Ultimately, once we understand the factors that contribute to poor eye health, we can begin to implement changes in our daily lives that help mitigate both age-related and environmental damage to your eyes. From staying active, targeting your natural supplements, and protecting your eyes from UV and blue light, you can support healthy vision for years to come.

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