Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.

5 Ways to Naturally Take Care of Your Eyesight

June 29, 2016 . 2 min read

Every day we spend hours looking at small images on televisions, computers, and phones, leading to eye fatigue and an increased risk of future vision problems. However, that doesn’t mean that weakened eyesight is inevitable. The tips below offer five all-natural strategies for keeping your eyes sharp and healthy.
Adjust Your Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in the health of your eyesight. Foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and berries are excellent choices, as are any foods that contain significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of staying hydrated–drinking more water can provide relief for eyes that are dry, tired, or blurry.
Protect Your Eyes
If you spend large amounts of time outdoors, consider bringing along a hat or a pair of sunglasses with UV protection. The sun’s rays can dry out and damage your retinas, causing your eyesight to deteriorate over time. If you work or spend time in an environment where you might be exposed to sparks, splinters, dust, metal shavings, or projectiles, make sure to wear safety goggles that are rated to withstand any potential accidents.
Take Regular Breaks
Your eyes need rest to avoid drying out and becoming sore. When reading books, watching television, playing video games, or using a computer, take a 10-minute break each hour to close your eyes or look at something else. This gives your eyes time to adjust and recuperate, preventing excess strain that could lead to worsening vision.
Exercise Your Eyes
Just like other muscles, you can give your eyes a workout to improve your vision over time. One common eye exercise is to hold up a finger at arm’s length, focus on it for 10 seconds, and then focus on something behind it for another 10 seconds. Trying to focus on faraway objects is also a great way to train your eyes; the key is to give your eyes some variety in terms of size, shape, and distance, especially if your job or daily routine requires you to look at a screen for hours each day.
Avoid the Strain
In addition to taking breaks, there are a number of ways that you can reduce the strain you put on your eyes. Bright lights are one the biggest sources of eye stress, so avoid watching television or using a computer in a dark room whenever possible. You can also turn down the brightness on your computer screen during the day, though it’s important to avoid turning it down so low that it becomes difficult to read. Consider opening your blinds and using natural sunlight instead of lamps or artificial lights, which are harsher on your eyes.
Diminished eyesight is a natural part of the aging process, but the good news is that you can stay one step ahead by taking steps to strengthen and protect your vision. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your eyes get the rest and exercise necessary to stay in top shape.