2024 New Year's Resolutions for Healthier Vision | Auckland, NZ

With the New Year here, it's time to start acting upon our resolutions for 2024. While many people focus on getting into shape and eating healthier, it's important to remember our eye health as well. As we age, our eyes become more susceptible to problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to maintain healthy vision. In this blog post, we'll share some New Year's resolutions for healthier vision in 2024.

Aiming For Healthier Vision This Year

Schedule regular eye exams

The first step to maintaining healthy vision is to schedule regular eye exams. This is especially important as we age, as many eye diseases don't have symptoms until they've progressed. It is recommended that adults between the ages of 18 and 60 have an eye exam at least once every two years, while those over 60 should have an exam every year. By getting a routine eye exam, your optometrist can catch any potential problems early and provide treatment before they become more serious.
 

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes. When we sleep, our eyes replenish the cells and fluids needed for vision. Not getting enough sleep can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and even vision loss. Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, while children and teenagers need more.
 

Eat a healthy diet

What we eat can also have an impact on our eye health. Eating a diet rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Foods that are high in these nutrients include leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon.
 

Wear sunglasses outdoors

Protection from the sun's UV rays is important for maintaining healthy eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block out at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. A hat with a brim can also provide added protection.
 

Take breaks from screens

In our digital age, many people spend a significant amount of time staring at screens. This can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and even blurred vision. To prevent these problems, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

As we start the new year, it's important to remember our eye health as well as our physical health. By scheduling regular eye exams, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, wearing sunglasses outdoors, and taking breaks from screens, we can maintain healthy vision as we age. Here's to a healthy 2024!