Can Vision Be Improved?

If you’re currently suffering from inadequate vision you might be asking the question – can vision be improved, or at least maintained? Unfortunately, vision cannot be improved without the assistance of professionals. However, there are steps you can take to prevent additional damage. Here are some potential steps for improving and maintaining your eyesight.

Your vision is one of the most critical factors in the quality of your day-to-day life. Good vision allows us to engage and connect with our surroundings. More importantly, however, they help keep us safe. Having clear and accurate vision holds a huge amount of significance in your day-to-day life. The world is full of colour, patterns and shapes; many of us take it for granted!

Regular vision examinations

Particularly as you get older, the significance of regular eye examinations cannot be overlooked. In order to keep on top of changes in your vision, you should ideally be visiting your optometrist every two years. This allows for potential issues to be flagged as well as treated before they develop and cause more serious long-term damage. Two years is the general rule of thumb however if you know of any family member that suffers from hereditary eye conditions, please inform your optician. They will likely recommend that you visit on a more frequent basis.

You may be under the impression that your glasses are only good for amending your prescription glasses. However, you may be surprised to know that there are a number of eye conditions your optician can identify with a regular examination. These include, but are not limited to, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and certain types of cancer.

Protect your eyes from UV rays

One of the most effective things you can do to maintain your vision and prevent additional damage is to protect your eyes from the UV (ultraviolet) rays produced by the sun. UV light essentially ages all the structures in your eye. Corneal damage, cataracts and macular degeneration are all possible chronic effects of overexposure to UV rays. In order to protect your eyes from the damage caused by UV rays we recommend you wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays when you’re outside. This is even more critical during times of peak UV rays, 10 am – 4 pm.

This applies all year round as there is no correlation between the damage the sun’s UV rays cause to how hot or cold the temperature is. UV radiation is invisible and cannot be felt during exposure.

Diet

A healthy diet is a necessity for good overall health. To improve the health of your eyes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids are key. Additionally, foods high in vitamin A help to maintain accurate vision, the functioning of the immune system, growth as well as development. Additionally, vitamin A also helps your heart, lungs, and other vital organs function properly.

Specifically for your eyes, vitamin A is excellent at preventing the formation of cataracts and macula degeneration. This is important as these are the two leading cases of blindness. For example, kale, spinach, liver and sweet potatoes are all foods jam-packed with goodness. Unfortunately, a diet high in vitamin A won’t cure blindness, nor will it grant a person 20-20 vision. However, a severe lack of vitamin A can cause blindness and deterioration of the eye.

Lifestyle

A person’s lifestyle can have a significant impact on their vision. For example, abuse of alcohol or smoking has been linked to an increased risk of certain eye diseases. Smoking for example increases the likelihood of you developing age-related macular degeneration by three to four times! Age-related macular degeneration is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It does not cause total blindness but it can make everyday activities extremely challenging. Imagine blots of darkness in the centre of your vision.

Need to book an eye test?

Can vision be improved? It is important to note that without professional guidance and help, there is no way to improve vision significantly. If you are suffering from poor vision or are in need of a general appointment feel free to get in touch with us here at Focus Medical Eye Centre. By booking in with your local optometrist you can arrange for an evaluation of your eyes and vision to be carried out. This can help to diagnose any underlying conditions and bring light to some potential treatment options. Call us today on 0800 980 34 64 or email us atinfo@focusmedicaleyecentre.co.uk.