In this modern world in which we live, we use technology very often. That means we are staring at computer screens, tiny cell phone screens, and tablets. The text we read can often be too small, causing eye strain, or too stark in comparison with the brightly lit white screen in the background. To make matters worse, fluorescent lighting is usually used in our workplaces, so we are under artificial and excessively bright light for many hours of the day. The human eye can handle only so much exposure to the blue light that is emitted from LED screens and other light sources. Over time, eye strain can cause vision damage. Below are suggestions to improve this lifestyle problem.

• Get blue-light blocking glasses. These are orange-tinted glasses that may also slightly magnify text to make it more readable.
• Consider installing programs like “Flux” on your computer or using blue light filtering apps on your phone. This will tint the actual screen in such a way that it removes or reduces the blue light coming from the screen to your eyes.
• Limit screen time and make sure to get your kids in the habit of doing the same.

Diet can play a strong role in healthy eyes for a lifetime. This is another change you can make to start improving your sight. Vitamins A, C, E, antioxidants, and minerals like copper and zinc are essential to eyesight. Add dark leafy greens, egg yolks, yellow peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, and other orange-colored produce and take Eye Vitamins to help prevent age-related Macular Degeneration issues.

• Add foods rich in sulfur, cysteine, and lecithin to protect from cataract formation.
• Berries can be helpful as an anti-inflammatory which can improve your vision.
• DHA fatty acids will also support cell structure and membranes of the eyes.
• Eye Vitamins have been proven clinically to aid in reducing vision loss from Macular Degeneration.

Try exercising your eyes. Just like any part of the physical body, moving your eyes and keeping yourself “in shape” will improve function in many cases. You might do these exercises in the morning or at night before bed, and they should not take you long.

• Warm your eyes by vigorously rubbing your palms together and then place the base of the palms at the base of your eye sockets for a few seconds. You can repeat this a few times if you’d like.
• Move your eyes through their range of motion. Roll them systematically, looking up and then moving 5-10 times to one direction, 5-10 times to the other direction.
• Practice focusing your vision. Hold a pen or other object in front of you at arms-length and try to keep it in focus as you slowly move it towards the center of your eyes, until it is about 6 inches from your nose. Then move it back out. Do this about 10 times.
• Massage your temples. Massage very gently all the way around your eye sockets and forehead. It feels good and stimulates the areas around the eyes.
• Lastly, close the eyes for a few minutes and allow them time to rest.

These are a few ideas to get you started on healthy habits that will help keep your vision sharper, longer.