How to Improve Your Vision

Taking care of your eyes means taking care of yourself. Many people have opinions about how to improve your vision, but the only real way to know you are on the right track is to talk with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, there are certain things you can do that just make sense when it comes to improving your vision.

Things You'll Need

• Dietary supplements (optional)
• Herb supplements (optional)
• Sunglasses

Instructions

1. Perform eye exercises. Try washing your hands, then rubbing your palms together until they become warm. Place your palms over your closed eyes for 5 seconds, being careful not to push on your eyes. The heat generated from your palms to your eyes will provide a relaxing feeling. Repeat this three times consecutively, and do it every day. Another simple exercise is to place your thumbprints against your closed eyes. Roll your eyes up and then down 10 times. Now move your eyeballs side to side for 10 passes. Do this exercise daily, especially when working in front of a computer for a long time, or when you feel sleepy. These two exercises can help prevent eye fatigue.

2. Eat healthy. The saying "You are what you eat" is very true when it comes to improving vision. Eat plenty of carrots, sweet potatoes and pig's liver, which are loaded with Vitamin A. Vitamin A is highly concentrated in the retina and in the tissue surrounding the back of the eyes [Dr. Martinez, Lasik Pages]. Spinach can improve vision, as it contains Vitamin A, as well as lutein and antioxidants that are helpful in battling macular degeneration, which can happen in the later years of life [Dr. Maoshing Ni, Yahoo Health, April 2007]. Prepare spinach with a little olive oil and you can further help your vision, as lutein absorption is increased when combined with oil. Only use a little oil, though.

3. Take the proper dietary supplements and herbs. Vitamins A, E, and C are especially beneficial to improving eyesight. They are antioxidants that fight macular degeneration and cataracts, along with other common eye diseases, by suppressing free radicals that can cause eye damage. Herbs that have been linked to improving eyesight include (but are not limited to) bilberries, eyebright herb and althea. Check with your doctor as a safety measure before beginning a daily vitamin and/or herb routine, especially before consuming high amounts of these substances.

4. Avoid direct sunlight. Any time you leave the house or office, put on a good pair of sunglasses that are marked with the "UV" label. This label ensures that the sunglasses will deflect harmful rays that can cause irritation, and even cancer. Ask the retailer if the sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays, as it is important to guard against both of these harmful types of ray.

5. Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the major causes of macular degeneration and cataracts in aging people. This is due to the buildup of oxidants that smoking causes, which affects cell growth and accelerates cell damage.

6. Get regular eye exams. The average adult should have an eye exam at least every 2 years. If there is a reason to have more frequent exams, be sure to comply with your optometrist. He knows what is best for the care of your eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your doctor before beginning an eye-exercise routine. Remove eyeglasses or contacts before doing eye exercises. Talk with your doctor about smoking cessation, if applicable.

• Never stick your fingers directly into your eyes.