Our Readers Asked About: Natural Ways to Improve Eyesight

Reader Question: Are there any natural ways to improve eyesight, like eye exercises or dietary changes? Or is laser eye surgery the only effective treatment for refractive errors?

There are many natural ways to improve or maintain your eyesight. However, it's important to be realistic about the limitations of these methods. 

Although these methods can support overall eye health, they don’t correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. 

Here are some ways I can suggest to naturally improve or maintain your vision:

Eye Exercises

Eye exercises help relieve eye strain, especially if you spend a lot of time staring at screens. When you take breaks, try to focus on something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. This is called the 20-20-20 rule.

You can also alternate your focus between a near and far object to improve focusing or blink more frequently to keep your eyes lubricated. Overall, these exercises can help relax your eyes and improve vision.

Dietary Changes 

Diet can also play a role in maintaining good vision. A balanced diet of rich antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can help protect your eyes from age-related damage like macular degeneration.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting healthy habits can also support eye health. For instance, quitting smoking reduces your risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. 

Different chronic conditions can affect your eyes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Managing these conditions can help prevent eye-related diseases. 

Other habits that can help your eyesight include:

• Wearing protective eyewear 
• Staying hydrated
• Reducing screen time
• Regular eye exams

Should You Consider Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery, like LASIK or PRK, has helped many people achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts. It can be a very effective and long-lasting solution for refractive errors.

However, it’s not for everyone. An ophthalmologist should thoroughly evaluate you to determine whether you're a good candidate.

The ideal candidates are typically: 

• Over 21 
• Have healthy eyes
• Have a stable prescription

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, talk to an eye doctor. They can give you personalized advice based on your situation. They can even help you weigh the pros and cons of different treatments.