Lifestyle Adjustments That Help Prevent Eye Diseases from Worsening: Protect Your Eyes for the Long-Term

Taking care of your vision isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s about protecting your long-term quality of life. At Giles Optometry, we believe proactive care is key. While some eye conditions are unavoidable, there are plenty of steps you can take to keep your vision as sharp as possible for years to come. Here’s what you can do to support your eye health every day.

Prioritize Your Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are more than just a way to update your glasses prescription. For those with eye diseases, these check-ups are critical for monitoring progression and making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Many eye diseases progress without noticeable symptoms at first, so staying ahead with regular exams can help slow or even prevent vision loss. If it’s been a while since your last visit, consider scheduling an appointment. Catching even minor changes early can make a big difference.

Wear the Right Eyewear for Protection

Living in Southern California, we get plenty of sunshine—but that also means our eyes are exposed to high levels of UV radiation, which can accelerate the progression of cataracts and macular degeneration. Investing in high-quality, UV-protective sunglasses isn’t just about comfort—it’s a necessity.

For those who spend long hours in front of a computer, blue light filtering glasses may also help reduce digital eye strain and discomfort. If you work outdoors, safety glasses can protect against dust, debris, and other environmental hazards.

Manage Your Overall Health

Your eyes are directly connected to your overall health. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can contribute to vision loss if left unchecked. Simple lifestyle changes like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can benefit your eyes just as much as your heart or brain. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. High blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy.

Nutrition for Eye Health

The food you eat plays a major role in eye health. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E have been shown to slow the progression of conditions like macular degeneration.

Some eye-friendly foods include:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds)

• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons)

• Carrots and bell peppers (rich in beta-carotene)

Making a habit of including these foods in your daily meals can support long-term vision health.

Give Your Eyes a Break

With remote work and digital screens becoming the norm, many people in La Mesa spend hours staring at a computer or phone. If you suffer from eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit can help reduce strain and keep your vision comfortable throughout the day.

Dry eyes are another common complaint, especially in areas with dry or windy conditions. Using artificial tears, staying hydrated, and taking regular breaks from screens can help.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, there’s no way around it—quitting is one of the best things you can do for your eye health. Smoking is linked to a higher risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, exposure to secondhand smoke can have similar harmful effects.

Stay Active and Keep Your Blood Flowing

Exercise isn’t just good for your waistline—it helps improve circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients get to your eyes. Whether it’s a morning walk around Lake Murray, a bike ride through Mission Trails, or a yoga class in downtown La Mesa, keeping active can help protect your vision.

Protect Your Vision at Giles Optometry

Your vision plays a huge role in your daily life, from enjoying the beautiful San Diego sunsets to reading your favorite book. While some eye conditions are out of your control, making these small but meaningful lifestyle adjustments can help slow disease progression and keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

If you have an existing eye condition, schedule your next eye exam with Giles Optometry today. Visit our office in La Mesa, California, or call (619) 399-2506 to book an appointment.