Over 20 million people in North America alone have severe vision loss. Not all of these eye diseases can be prevented or cured, but there are some things you can do to help your eyes remain healthy and possibly lower your risks of developing severe vision loss.

Sometimes, the signs of vision loss aren’t so obvious. Let’s discuss some ways you can avoid severe vision loss and how you can prevent it.

Subtle Symptoms of Vision Loss

  • Passing moments of fuzziness: If your vision is typically clear throughout the day but you notice brief moments of fuzziness, that could be a sign of slow vision loss or an early sign of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is fluid buildup in the blood vessels that could lead to dark spots and clouded vision. If left untreated, it could result in retina detachment to the eye.
  • Blurry or wavy central vision: If your peripheral vision is clear but you have trouble focusing on a narrow field of vision in front of you, like when reading the newspaper or watching TV, it could be a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can result from leaking unhealthy blood vessels or the breakdown of photoreceptors in the retina. When diagnosed early enough, AMD can be treated with medication and surgery.
  • Darkening vision: If you experience blurred vision due to glare or the need for more light to see, it could be a sign that you’re developing cataracts. Cataracts cloud the lenses in your eye and can make you feel like your retina isn’t getting enough light. Sometimes, glasses can temporarily help with cataracts, but eventually, surgery will be required. The surgeons at Vistar Eye Center can help.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Severe Vision Loss

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your chances of developing vision loss. Some ways to improve your eye health and reduce your risks include:

  • Wear UV-ray-blocking sunglasses: Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can dramatically increase your risk of developing cataracts. Ensure your sunglasses are certified to block 100% UV-A and UV-B rays for optimum protection.
  • Eat a balanced and healthy diet: Not providing your eyes with the right vitamins and nutrients can increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ensure your diet contains plenty of Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Put down the cigarettes: Smoking tobacco is directly linked to a large assortment of health issues, including age-related macular degeneration. Studies show that smokers are far more likely to develop symptoms of AMD compared to those who do not or have never smoked. Smokers are also at an increased risk of developing cataracts.
  • Make sure to wear eye protection: An estimated 3 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. alone every year, so make sure you are taking the necessary precautions to protect your vision when working in hazardous environments or with power tools. These eye injuries can also occur during outdoor activities, such as playing sports, so always ensure your protective eyewear is certified to protect your vision.
  • Take eye fatigue seriously: If you work in an office and spend most of your day staring at a computer screen, ensure you take the necessary steps to provide your vision time to rest throughout the day. Simply closing your eyes for a few seconds every hour will do plenty, in the long run, to help reduce symptoms of digital eye strain and eye fatigue.

Stay On Top Of Your Eye Health

Even if you aren’t experiencing these signs of vision loss, regular comprehensive eye exams can identify the most unnoticeable signs of one of these eye health problems. Request an appointment with Vistar Eye Center to receive your exam and get peace of mind.