How to Improve Your Eye Vision Without Glasses

Your eyes are the windows to your soul. You can have eagle eyes, bedroom eyes or a twinkle in your eyes. There are literally dozens of sayings that involve our eyes. Why? Because they speak volumes about how we feel, they can be among our most attractive features and of course they are key to our sight.

But while we think about makeup and frames to enhance the way they look, how often do we think about enhancing the way they work?

We’ve talked about how wearing glasses won’t make your eyesight worse but what can we do to help make our vision better? Beyond wearing the proper prescription glasses there are some simple ways we can all take better care of our all-important eyes.

DIET AND EXERCISE

Although diet and exercise won’t cure any eye condition, the things we eat can make a difference. There are numerous reasons a healthy diet is important to living a better life, but did you know it can also have a positive impact on your eyes?

You may have heard people (like your mom) say that carrots are good for your eyes. They actually are! It’s because of the vitamins and carotenoids they contain. Fortunately, carrots aren’t the only way to get these valuable nutrients.

Infusing a diet with vitamins and minerals will provide your body with the natural building blocks it needs to stay healthy and help protect your vision. Vitamins A, C, and E, along with the mineral Zinc, help to prevent your eyes from developing a condition where the macula (the part of your eye that controls central vision) deteriorates. You can find these vitamins and minerals in foods like carrots, broccoli, spinach, strawberries, sweet potato, citrus fruits, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon. These vitamins and minerals, along with a healthy consumption of antioxidants, will also help to protect your retinas (the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of your eyes).

Did you ever hear that carrots can help you see at night, probably also from your mom trying to get you to eat them? That’s sort of true. While there’s no vegetable that can give us goggle-quality night vision but our bodies do use vitamin A to synthesize rhodopsin. That is the pigment in our eyes that help them operate in low-light conditions. So they won’t help you see in the dark exactly, but they can help prevent night blindness.

Carotenoids (that live in carrots and other foods) are fat-soluble organic pigments that are also good for your eyes. Two of these are called Lutein and Zeaxanthin and they help protect the macula, improve pigment density in the eye, and help to absorb UV and blue light. These carotenoids also happen to be found in leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, and eggs, but if you or your child is a picky eater they can also be taken as a supplement!

In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise and a healthy weight can also be good for your eyes. Both diet and exercise help your body to maintain stable blood sugar levels and lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is most common in those who are overweight, and the disease can lead to Diabetic Retinopathy (which is when the small arteries of the retina leak blood into the eye and harm your vision). So we can add eye health to the list of reasons to stay active and eat well.

REST YOUR EYES

Do you know how sometimes sleep is called “shut-eye”? Well, there’s a good reason for that. Getting adequate sleep and rest is essential for your eyes. Like with the rest of your body, sleep gives your eyes the time it needs to fully rest, and heal from daily stressors. If you don’t get your full 8 hours, your vision may not be as sharp as when you’re fully rested and you might notice more strain on your eyes than usual.

You should also give your eyes a rest when they’re working extra hard, like when you’re reading or working on the computer for extended periods of time. So give your eyes a break from time to time. Let them rest for about 10 minutes, for every 50 minutes you spend doing any eye-straining activity. Don’t work for more than 2-3 hours at a time without a break, and if you can, take an hour to really let your eyes fully rest during the day. Keep in mind though that taking a break from your computer screen to look at your cell phone, doesn’t really count.

During your 10-minute breaks throughout the day, try to focus on things that are farther away from you so your eyes can get a break from focusing on things so close. So if you usually read a book during your break from your computer/desk job, you might want to find an alternative that will let your eyes rest a little more. If your eyes are feeling overtired, you can use the old cucumber slices over your eyelids trick, they help to reduce puffiness, swelling, and irritation. The folic acid in cucumbers also helps to stimulate antioxidant activity.

EYE EXERCISES AND REDUCING EYE STRAIN

Although there are claims that eye exercises can improve vision, there are no studies that prove them to be helpful in improving eye conditions. These exercises may not help with conditions like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatisms, but they can help with eye strain. “Digital Eye Strain” in particular is becoming increasingly common for people who work on a computer or spend a significant amount of time focusing on a screen. This condition can cause significant eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, issues with focusing at distances, and other physical discomforts. Incorporating eye exercises into your daily routine can help to alleviate some of these symptoms. Eye exercises are easy to do, take very little time, and can be done from your desk if needed. Some easy ones are:

FOCUS SHIFTING

Hold a small object such as a pen (or your finger) in front of your face, then slowly move it away while retaining focus. Then gradually bring it back towards your face (until it’s about 6” away) while still retaining focus. Repeat.

WRITE OUT ABC’S

Using your eyes, draw out the alphabet from A to Z. Make sure you’re “drawing” the letters out large enough that you can feel your eyes getting a good range of motion. If you’re in a time crunch or worried that your unusual eye movements will draw strange looks from your co-workers, shorten the exercise to just drawing out your name instead of the entire alphabet.

UP, DOWN, AND AROUND

Move your eyes to look up (without moving your head) and then do the same looking down. Repeat a few times and then move your eyes in a slow circle going clockwise, followed by a slow circle going counterclockwise. This is good for a range of motion and circulation.

Following the 20-20-20 Rule can also prove helpful. For every 20 minutes you spend focusing on a book or screen, take a break to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a nice break in between periods of focusing on your computer (or book) and doing your eye exercises. Taking breaks to do quick eye exercises periodically is beneficial not only to your vision, but it can also be a good excuse to take a mental break from working and can help increase productivity.

Although there are no magic pills or tricks that can totally improve or heal your vision, making conscious choices to live an overall healthier lifestyle, being aware of how you’re protecting and treating your eyes on a daily basis, and getting regular eye exams can truly help you have the best vision possible.

CONSIDER ORTHOKERATOLOGY!

If you’re interested in making drastic improvements to your eyesight without laser surgery or implants, consider one of our favorite procedures, orthokeratology (Ortho-K).

Ortho-K involves the creation of custom rigid contacts lenses that are used to reshape the cornea and improve eyesight. The difference between these lenses and daily wear is that ortho-k contacts are intended to be worn at night while you are sleeping and removed upon waking up.

The lenses can then correct near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), and even astigmatism. The nighttime lenses gently change the shape of your cornea over time, and because they are removed in the morning you can go about your day, lens-free, with clear vision. With consistent use, the ortho-k lenses can help improve vision for longer periods of time. Finally, one of the best aspects of Ortho-k is that it is safe for kids as well as adults.

Next time you have an eye exam, ask your doctor or schedule a free consultation with an expert who will help you explore your options. Speaking of experts, in all things eye-related it’s good to trust the professionals.

YOUR OPTOMETRIST KNOWS BEST

As with any other doctor, you should schedule a visit with your optometrist at least once a year, and have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every few years. Many serious eye conditions (like glaucoma) have no early symptoms, so even if you haven’t noticed any changes in your vision, annual exams are necessary. Your optometrist, or ophthalmologist, can track the progression of any vision issues you may be having. But in your everyday life, use a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, frequent screen breaks, and a few simple exercises to keep your eyes sharp and comfortable. they see you doing it, they will learn to do it themselves.

Help Your Children Take Care Of Their Vision

Children have a special perspective on the world. They are often seeing so many things for the first time, or familiar sights through innocent eyes. What they see and how they see at an early age can shape their role in the world. How they treat their eyes in their formative years can also impact their vision as they grow. That’s why it’s so important to teach kids from a young age what it means to see well and how to care for their eyes.

Problems related to a child’s vision can often go undetected because a child might not even realize anything is wrong. Left untreated, certain conditions can cause harm that could have been preventable. Many times, teachers and parents will rely on school-wide vision screenings to catch these issues, but this testing can be inaccurate 63-73% of the time. For this reason, getting your child a comprehensive eye exam early on (before starting school) is recommended by the American Optometric Association.

Even with proper diagnosis, you can’t always be there to make sure your child is taking good care of their eyes, but you can make sure they are well educated on how to keep their eyes healthy!

PROPER NUTRITION

Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is the best place to start for a lifetime of eye health. Choosing foods with the nutrients that eyes need for development is vital. Important nutrients to focus on are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, Carotene, and Lutein.

As a parent, make sure your child is eating enough leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Encourage healthy snacks like yellow fruits rich in carotenes like mango, pineapple, and banana, or dry fruits like almonds and pistachios that are full of Vitamin E. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, and peas, while Zinc can be found in red meats, poultry, whole grains, and nuts. Fish like salmon, tuna, halibut, and shrimp are full of Omega-3’s, just be sure to avoid fish like mackerel, swordfish, ahi tuna as they have higher mercury levels and should be avoided by younger children. Fortunately, many of these foods are important to overall health and will benefit much more than just a child’s eyes. We know kids can be picky eaters, but it’s worth the fight. When it comes to eating healthy, habits developed at a young age can stay with them through their lives.

You’ll also want to teach your child to be aware of their water intake. Drinking enough water is not only necessary for all-around health, but it also helps to keep your eyes fresh, moisturized, and it can reduce puffiness. Your eyes are surrounded by a fluid that helps to protect the eye by creating a barrier between your eyeball and dust and other particles that float in the air. Staying hydrated helps to keep a healthy balance of this essential eye fluid.

EXERCISE

It’s no secret that regular exercise is a major factor for general health, but did you know it’s important for your eye health too? Children who regularly exercise, either through participation in sports, riding their bike, or just playing outside, tend to have healthier body weights than children who get little to no exercise. Keeping a healthy body weight drastically decreases your risk of developing diabetes, a disease that can lead to severe eye conditions and is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74. Although the chances of developing type 2 diabetes as a child are slight, instilling a positive attitude toward exercise in your child can help them avoid these conditions later on.

GLASSES, SUNGLASSES, AND SAFETY GOGGLES

If a doctor prescribed glasses for your child, it’s because they need them! So it’s important to make sure your child wears their glasses in situations that demand them. But it’s also important to have honest conversations with your child about how not wearing them can potentially be harmful. A child may not like how their glasses look or feel, but they should understand that not wearing them can cause unpleasant symptoms like headaches or strained eyes.

Children also like to trade stuff, so also tell your child knows not to wear other children’s glasses, or to let other children wear theirs. It may seem fun to switch glasses with your friend on the playground, but wearing glasses that aren’t yours can result in headaches or eye strain.

Sunglasses are also important when it comes to protecting your eyes. Teach your child to always have a pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection on hand, and to avoid looking directly at the sun. Prolonged UV exposure can be hurtful to the eyes, and increase the risk of cataracts, AMD, and other eye-related complications when they are older. But sunglasses aren’t the only eye protection you should be utilizing;

Safety goggles are also important, especially for children who may be involved with sports. Wearing goggles will prevent accidental eye injury by shielding your child’s eyes from any dirt kicked up during a soccer game, accidental scratches while playing outdoors, minor (but still potentially harmful) accidents creating science experiments for school projects, scratches while helping with outdoor chores, or even infection from opening their eyes underwater in a pool.

GIVE YOUR EYES A BREAK

While your child may insist they’re fine reading with just a nightlight, make sure to encourage them to use extra lighting whenever they’re doing homework, reading, or crafting. Proper light levels while focusing on things up close will also help to avoid eye strain and its resulting headaches.

Finally, help your child understand the concept of digital eye strain and that prolonged screen time is important can be bad for their eyes. Some grownups could benefit from this lesson as well. Too much screen time can cause blurry vision, headaches, strain, and dry eyes. Hourly breaks from TV, after-school video game sessions, and even reading are essential. Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule if they’re an avid screen-user. Tell them to take 20 seconds, every 20 minutes to focus on something about 20 feet away from them. This little exercise can help them avoid digital Eye Strain.

Last but not least they need to get enough sleep! Eyes need adequate rest after working hard all day too, and by going to bed at a reasonable hour for a decent rest, eyes will get the rest they need.

KEEP IT CLEAN AND SPEAK UP!

Get your child into the habit of washing their hands regularly. For example, habitually washing their hands when coming home after being out, before meals, after using the bathroom, and periodically throughout the school day.

Rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands can give germs a direct way into your eye that can cause infection and even common illnesses like the cold or flu. It’s also important to make sure your child knows to never insert or remove contacts with unwashed hands as that too can also cause infection.

Lastly, let your child know not to be afraid to speak up if they are having difficulty seeing the board, their books, or are having headaches while trying to focus in class. Your child’s eyes are constantly working while they’re at school.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS EXPERIENCING VISION PROBLEMS

If you suspect eye issues with your child don’t be afraid to let their teacher know, and ask to have your child sit near the front of the class for better visibility. Ask your child about how their vision is at school:

• Is your vision blurry?
• Do you catch yourself squinting a lot?
• Do you ever have trouble seeing things on the boarding school?
• Do your eyes hurt or feel tired after school?
• Do you need to hold your book close to your face to see?
• Do you think you might be mixing up colors?

Make it clear to your child that it is important to tell their teacher (and you!) if your eyes are bothering them, or if they notice any changes in your vision. Consult a doctor immediately for an eye examination if any discomforts or changes in vision are occurring.

If it turns out your child does need glasses and you’re looking for an alternative, orthokeratology may be an option. The ortho-k process can stop and even reverse the deterioration of your child’s eyesight. As soon as your child is diagnosed with eyesight problems, schedule an ortho-k consultation to find out if this procedure can help your child achieve a lifetime of clear vision.

As in all things, when it comes to taking care of their eyes, set a good example for your child. From diet and exercise to screen breaks, if they see you doing it, they will learn to do it themselves.

How Is an Ortho-K Consultation Different from an Ortho-K Fitting Assessment?

An orthokeratology consult and an orthokeratology assessment are two distinct processes related to orthokeratology, a non-surgical vision correction method that involves the use of specialized contact lenses to reshape the cornea temporarily. Here’s how they differ:

Orthokeratology Consultations

Purpose

A consultation typically occurs before the actual fitting assessment and is often the initial step in determining whether orthokeratology is a suitable option for a patient.

Assessment

During the consult, the eye care professional (typically an optometrist or ophthalmologist) will discuss the patient’s vision problems, eye health, lifestyle, and goals. This discussion helps to determine if orthokeratology is a good fit for the patient.

Education

The eye care professional will provide information about orthokeratology, the expected results, the commitment required, and the potential risks and benefits.

Lens Information

Patients may be introduced to the concept of orthokeratology lenses and may have the opportunity to ask questions about the process.

Preliminary Measurements

Some basic measurements may be taken, but this is typically not as extensive as in a full orthokeratology fitting assessment.

Orthokeratology Fitting Assessments

Purpose

An orthokeratology fitting assessment is a more comprehensive and detailed process performed after the initial consultation when it’s determined that orthokeratology is a viable option for the patient.

Measurements

The fitting assessment involves taking measurements of the curvature and thickness of the cornea, as well as determining other factors that are crucial for designing custom orthokeratology lenses.

Orthokeratology Fitting

This step involves fitting the patient with specialized orthokeratology lenses that are tailored to their eye shape and vision correction needs.

Follow-up Visits

The fitting assessment typically involves scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the orthokeratology treatment and make any necessary adjustments to the lenses.

Monitoring Eye Health

Regular eye health checks are an essential part of the orthokeratology fitting assessment to ensure the cornea remains healthy throughout treatment.
In summary, an orthokeratology consult is an initial discussion to determine if orthokeratology is a suitable option for a patient, while an orthokeratology fitting assessment is a more in-depth process that involves measurements, fitting of custom lenses, and ongoing monitoring. Both the consult and fitting assessment are crucial steps in the orthokeratology process to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Nearsightedness is on the Rise

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise — at epidemic levels, in fact. Learn more about why this eye condition often starts in childhood, and how it can be treated beyond correction with our myopia management options!

Myopia Development

Studies have shown that there isn’t a single gene responsible for myopia. While having myopic parents does increase the likelihood of developing nearsightedness, research shows that myopia’s causes are more behavioral than genetic.

Myopia develops when the cornea is too long, which in turn creates a distorted visual input. Having blurry vision then leads to further eye growth, resulting in a continual cycle. Focusing on near objects, as so much of modern life has become, increases the chances of myopia.

The Power of Sunlight

The amount of time we spend indoors has other ramifications as well. Research confirms that unnatural eye growth resulting in myopia can be interrupted by sunlight exposure, with myopia rates four times greater in children who didn’t spend much time outdoors compared to those who were outside daily. Time spent outdoors is associated with lower myopia incidence and progression, dropping 2% for each hour spent outside per week.

A Silent, Yet Treatable Epidemic

Myopia rates have increased as more and more children are entering school, focusing on near work, and spending less time outdoors. However, myopia is treatable in children, leading to fewer vision and eye health problems down the line. The stronger your case of myopia, the greater the risk.

Myopia management options like orthokeratology, center distance multifocal contact lenses, and atropine eye drops all help ease the strain while physically turning back the effects of myopia.  Even just a few minutes a day under myopia management treatment can stop its progression. Help set your child up for future health by minimizing the risk of issues like retinal detachment with myopia management. Frequent vision checks, breaks from near work, and time spent in the sun will all go a long way to ensure healthier vision!