Did you know that over 4 million Americans are living with low vision! And that number
is expected to more than double in the next 30 years, with 2.3 million people expected
to be blind and more than 9.5 million living with low vision.
Low vision makes it hard to do everyday activities. It can’t be fixed with glasses, lenses or other standard treatments. The type of low vision you have depends on the underlying condition or disease, but the good news is many times low vision may be preventable and/or treatable. Here are some general healthy eye tips to remember:
Eat Well: Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E can help ward off vision-related problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Fill your plate with green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), salmon, tuna, eggs and citrus fruits.
Quit Smoking: It makes you more likely to develop cataracts, damage to your optic nerve, and macular degeneration.
Wear Sunglasses: Too much UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Use Safety Eyewear: If you use any hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear protective safety goggles!
Look away! Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause eye strain, blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches and neck pain. Try and rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds!
If you struggle with vision loss, ask your physician about how Occupational Therapy can
help you manage your vision loss! This could include training on magnifying devices for
reading, guidance and assistive devices to help set up your home safely and sharing
resources on how to cope!
Contact the Beacon Hill Therapy Department at 616-608-8246 to see how Occupational Therapy can help you maintain your independence!
