On a global scale, approximately 2.2 billion individuals are experiencing vision impairment, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The quality of our eyesight diminishes as time progresses. As we grow older, the lenses in our eyes become less flexible. Consequently, focusing on objects at varying distances becomes challenging. This issue is not exclusive to the elderly.
Vision loss can be triggered by various conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, high levels of cholesterol, and other illnesses.
Now that you comprehend the causes behind worsening eyesight, it is time to understand how to cope with it.
1. Seek Advice From A Physician
If you detect a decline in your eyesight, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional.
Your initial course of action should involve scheduling an appointment with an eye specialist for a thorough examination. The physician will inquire about your visual acuity and identify any underlying issues that may require attention.
On occasion, the doctor might recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses to assist in enhancing or preserving your eyesight. Ensure to have a copy of your eyewear prescription for future reference when acquiring the necessary optical aids.
Consider undergoing an eye check-up annually, even if you perceive no irregularities in your vision. This practice aids in monitoring any alterations in your visual functionality and enables the doctor to detect any potential concerns promptly.
2. Obtain Eyewear
In the event of worsening eyesight, the primary step involves consulting your healthcare provider. They can recommend suitable eyeglasses or contacts to enhance your visual clarity. If eyeglasses are not deemed necessary, a referral to an eye specialist for a comprehensive evaluation is warranted.
Subsequent to the eye examination and assessment, visit an optics store to procure the prescribed eyeglasses. The eye specialist will suggest specific eyewear types based on your ocular health. The store’s staff will facilitate the selection of suitable eyewear from a diverse range of frames and lens styles.
3. Adjust Your Nutrition
Research indicates that consuming a diet rich in dark leafy greens and whole grains can promote better eyesight, while a diet high in sugar and saturated fats can have adverse effects.
This dietary adjustment involves reducing processed food intake and increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens. Incorporating more fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, into your diet is also beneficial.
Omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that safeguard your optic nerve (connecting the retina to the brain) from damage, as well as prevent macular degeneration, the primary cause of blindness in individuals over 50 years old.
4. Eliminate Tobacco and Alcohol Usage
If you observe a decline in your eyesight, it may be prudent to cease smoking and alcohol consumption. Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which can impede oxygen supply to the retina.
According to data from the WHO, tobacco consumption contributes to over eight million deaths globally. Smoking significantly contributes to this mortality rate. Vision impairment is not the sole health concern associated with smoking; it also jeopardizes visual acuity.
Alcohol intake can also affect your eyesight by inducing dehydration, leading to dry eyes and corneal ulcers.
5. Regularly Wear Your Eyewear and Undergo Routine Eye Examinations
Maintaining consistent use of your glasses or lenses is crucial even if you find them cumbersome or obstructive to your vision. Regular usage is essential to preserving stable eyesight.
Your optometrist can determine the need for a new prescription, generally recommending an eye examination every two years.
Perfect vision is not everlasting. The National Eye Institute highlights that four out of ten American adults are susceptible to vision loss. Following these recommendations can help sustain satisfactory vision quality, whether it involves utilizing corrective eyewear or lenses.