how to keep eyesight healthy - #20295
I am really worried about my eyes lately. A few weeks ago, I started getting these weird headaches, and then my vision seemed kinda blurry sometimes. My doctor said it could be fatigue from staring at screens too long, which made me wonder how to keep eyesight healthy. I try to follow the 20-20-20 rule but I forget a lot! When I asked my coworker, they told me about some foods that are good for eye health, like carrots and leafy greens. But is that enough? Like, how to keep eyesight healthy if my diet isn’t great? I also feel like there's just so much info out there! Do I need to start doing eye exercises or something? Or is it more about lifestyle changes? I’ve cut back on screen time a bit, or at least I’m trying too, but sometimes I just get sucked in. I read somewhere that UV protection is also important in how to keep eyesight healthy. Should I buy glasses specifically for screen time? All these tips are overwhelming, and I don’t know if I'm addressing the problem in the right way. Any advice on how to keep eyesight healthy would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
When it comes to keeping your eyesight healthy, it’s great that you’re already thinking about potential solutions. Screen time can cause eye strain, so incorporating the 20-20-20 rule is definitely beneficial. It’s tricky to make it a habit, but setting reminders on your phone or computer might help. Diet is indeed important for eye health too. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein — like fish, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, and leafy greens — support eye function and may reduce the risk of age-related complications. However, while diet contributes to overall eye health, it’s not the sole solution. Regular breaks from staring at screens remain crucial. UV protection is also vital; wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors is advisable. As for screen use, blue light blocking glasses can be an option, though the evidence on their effectiveness is mixed; if you find them helpful, it might be worth giving a try. Eye exercises, while sometimes suggested, don’t have substantial evidence supporting their benefits for most vision issues, though they aren’t generally harmful either. Instead of eye exercises, focusing on adjusting your screen’s brightness, increasing text size, and maintaining a comfortable distance can alleviate some discomfort. Lifestyle factors like good lighting, regular sleep, and staying hydrated also play a role. If your headaches and vision problems persist, it’s wise to revisit your doctor or get a referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist to rule out other conditions. Addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms, is key. If screen time is unavoidable, ensuring proper ergonomics and lighting can reduce strain. Ultimately, the goal shouldn’t be perfection but gradual, consistent habits that support eye health within your daily life. Seek prompt medical attention if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
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