Health Topics A-Z

How Can I Prevent Vision Problems?

Preventative eyecare is the first line of defense against vision problems. Periodic eye examinations, knowing your family's history for any eye problems and observing a healthy lifestyle will help your eyes remain healthy and your vision sharp. Always wear durable eye protection when involved in athletics or operating electric tools. Fireworks? Just say, "No!"

Maintenance of your healthy eyesight depends on getting sufficient vitamins and dietary nutrients, which plays a key role in keeping the eye moist and help protect from infection. A well balanced diet will provide most of what normal adults need. Vitamins A, C, and E are essential for good eyesight. Watch your weight, watch your blood pressure and watch your cholesterol. If you smoke, stop! Toxic cigarette smoke is linked to many serious eye conditions. Do everything possible to stay away from tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes, and other kinds of polluted air. If you are diabetic you need to schedule more frequent eye exams and carefully monitor your blood sugar levels.

Popular Techniques to Relieve Eyestrain

• Stay fresh!  When using a computer or doing concentrated activity such as sewing or reading, rest your eyes for five minutes at 30-minute intervals.  Look away from your work, close your eyes, or simply stare off into space.
• Blink regularly.  Blinking helps reduce evaporation of the tear film that protects the cornea.  Forceful blinking also breaks the continuous focus when you have been reading or looking at a computer screen, increasing the amount of concentrated activity you can perform.
• If you are driving for long stretches, alternately focus on the dashboard and a faraway object.  Changing the focus periodically will relax your eye muscles and prevent eyestrain.
• Palm your eyes.  Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and cover your eyes with the palms of your hands.
• Breathe deeply for several minutes.  Roll your head around with a circular motion while stretching your neck and shoulders, then turn your head from side to side and up and down, repeating several times.
• While yawning, stretch and maneuver the muscles of your face to relieve tension.