Six Ways to Help Save Your Vision

March is Save Your Vision month! Did you know that there are multiple ways you can protect your vision on a regular basis? One of the best ways is to get an eye exam regularly. Eye exams can provide early detection of vision problems and possible health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can cause a wide range of visual disturbances that can affect one or both eyes. In many cases, vision problems are often the first sign of MS.¹ 

Protect Your Eyes 

Your eye health matters. Saving your vision is something you can do every single day! Here are 6 different ways you can help protect your eyes moving forward. 

1. Schedule a Yearly Eye Exam 

   Regular eye exams go far beyond detecting blurry vision. In addition to serious health conditions, many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, can also be detected early through annual eye exams.  
    

2. Water is Your Best Friend 

   Dehydration can greatly affect your eyes in addition to the rest of your body. Dehydration can worsen eye strain and dry-eye symptoms and can even cause blurred vision. Make sure water is a regular part of your day to keep your eyes healthy and protected. 
    

3. Eat the Rainbow 

   Your diet affects your vision. There are key nutrients in leafy greens, berries, beets, citrus, and even foods with high omega 3s that are important for maintaining healthy vision.  
    

4. Exercise is For More Than Just Muscle Strength 

   Many eye diseases are related to high-blood pressure and diabetes. Exercising 4 times a week lowers your blood pressure and eye pressure, which may reduce your risk for disease.² 
    

5. Cover Up 

   Just like sunscreen is important for your skin, sunglasses and hats are important for your eyes. Protect against harmful UV rays by wearing your sunglasses while the sun is shining! 
    

6. Limit Screen Exposure 

   Digital eye strain can cause visual discomfort as well as dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. Give your eyes a break throughout the day and look at something other than a screen! You can also implement the 20-20-20 rule…every 20 minutes look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help with eye strain. 

Put your vision first this month and every month going forward. Your eyes will thank you! 

¹National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Vision-Problems 

²Glaucoma Research Foundation, https://www.glaucoma.org/q-a/can-exercise-lower-eye-pressure.php 

Information received through VSP Vision Care's social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.