Impacts of lifestyle choices on eye health

(NC) Our everyday habits, from the food we eat to the way we spend time outdoors, can have a direct and lasting effect on our eye health.

What you eat. A balanced diet that includes dark leafy greens, colourful fruits, nuts and oily fish provides essential nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, along with zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. These support eye function and help reduce the risk of age-related conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

How you move. Regular physical activity also plays a role. Aerobic exercise can lower the pressure inside your eyes , support healthy blood flow to the retina and even ease symptoms of dry eye.

When you get sun. Especially important for Canadians spending increased time on screens. Everyone should also be mindful of sun safety. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure contributes to the development of cataracts and other eye conditions. Wearing sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat can make a significant difference, especially during peak daylight hours.

Whether you smoke. Another key factor? Smoking. Tobacco use increases the risk of several serious eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking can slow the progression of damage and preserve vision.

What you look at. Speaking of screens, digital eye strain is becoming a growing concern, especially for children. In fact, a recent survey found that 82 per cent of Canadians are worried about its impact on kids' eye health. One simple way to help reduce discomfort, dryness, and fatigue from too much screen time is by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

With the support of Specsavers, the “My Corner of Canada” photography contest is helping showcase the role of vision in connecting Canadians by having participants submit photos showing what their community means to them. You can find more information at seethepossibilities.ca.