Importance of Time Outside for Eye Health

Having good vision is often taken for granted until one’s ability to see is impaired in some way. Due to the effects of natural aging, your vision will eventually deteriorate as you get older. However, there are some things you can do to maintain your vision and benefit your eye health. Spending time outdoors is one of the most helpful things you can do for your eyes. Below you will find the importance of time outside for your eye health.

Importance of Time Outside for Eye Health

While there are a variety of benefits to spending time outside, one of the major benefits is eye health.

Technology Break: 

Depending on the type of job you have, you may be spending hours in front of the computer or on your phone. This can cause major issues when it comes to your vision. The same is true for children who spend a lot of time on tablets or their phones. Taking time away from screens and going outside can do wonders for your vision. If you cannot get away from your screens for a substantial amount of time, consider the 20-20-20 exercise. If you are on a screen, take 20 seconds to look at least 20 feet away (preferably somewhere outside) every 20 minutes. This can help alleviate any stress caused from excessive screen time.

Reduction in Risk of Short-Sightedness: 

Research has shown that just one hour a day outdoors can help with short-sightedness (also referred to as “myopia”). The study focused specifically on children, but the same principles may help with adults in terms of overall eye health. The research found a causal link between increased exposure to outdoor light and the prevention or reduction of short-sightedness in children.

Prevention Tips for Vision Loss

The effects of natural aging cannot be prevented entirely, but they can be slowed down. With that, it’s important to take care of your vision from an early age. Be sure and get your comprehensive eye exams at least every two years. You may need to do it more often if you are older or have a prescription for glasses or contacts. Your vision health is also impacted by your overall health. This means maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive drinking.

Laser Eye Correction

If you have had vision problems and are considering a more permanent treatment option, laser eye correction is a long-term alternative to glasses or contacts. Lasik eye surgery is not only the most effective treatment option, but it has the least amount of hassle. You won’t need your glasses or contact lenses with you at all times, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting them and not being able to see. Laser eye correction is now one of the most common procedures and is not only safe, but highly effective. If you are at least 21 years old, in good general health, have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year, and you have no existing eye disease, you are likely a good candidate for the procedure.

Orange County Lasik Surgery

Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical is the top board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgery specialist in Orange County. He has performed Lasik procedures for years and helped numerous patients with their vision problems. Depending on your needs, his clinic provides a wide variety of services, including Orange County Lasik surgery. Dr. Ghosheh and his team focus on providing patients with the most cutting-edge eye care to ensure their unique needs are met. Contact Dr. Ghosheh’s office today for an appointment!