Do you find yourself squinting to see better? If you also suffer from headaches or have trouble reading at a distance or close-up, it may be time for an eye exam. Our talented and experienced optometrists, Mital Patel, OD, Mark Machen, OD, and Ashley Swalla, OD, at Classic Vision Care diagnose and treat vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, at our offices in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia.
To squint or not to squint
While there’s nothing intrinsically harmful about squinting, other than adding unwelcome wrinkles around your eyes, it may signal a need for corrective lenses. If you have difficulty reading street signs or cell phones, Dr. Patel and our providers evaluate your vision with several simple diagnostic tests, including:
- Visual acuity to determine your vision at 20 feet
- Central and peripheral visual fields
- Intraocular test to gauge the fluid pressure within your eyes
- Depth perception
- Color perception
We diagnose any refractive issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and offer the perfect prescription for 20/20 vision. If your squinting gets worse in the sun, we also help you find sunglasses to fit the bill.
Read the signs
Rest assured, squinting won’t make your vision worse. In fact, in the short term, it actually helps you see better. By decreasing how much light enters your eye, squinting enables more light to pass closer to the center of your vision. Images become better focused. If you find yourself squinting in order to read, you might suffer from a refractive error. Dr. Patel and our team diagnose any refractive issues to enable your eyes to bend light correctly, without squinting, through glasses or contact lenses.
Improve your eyesight without squinting
Dr. Patel also recommends healthy ways to improve your eyesight. These include:
1. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Have you ever seen a rabbit wear eyeglasses? We’re only half joking. Carrots contain plenty of lutein and beta-carotene, which our body converts into vitamin A, an important nutrient for healthy eyes. Other helpful foods include sweet potatoes, red peppers, spinach, and citrus fruits. Consume leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and zucchini, as well, which possess lutein and zeaxanthin, protective carotenoids found in your retina.
2. Exercise regularly
One of the most important things we can do is move our bodies. Exercise helps offset such conditions as diabetic retinopathy, which causes tiny arteries in your retina to leak blood and fluid into your eyes. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising helps reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place.
3. Shield your eyes
Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat protects your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB radiation from sunlight, keeping damage at bay.
In addition, Dr. Patel and our providers encourage you to practice the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes toward something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eyestrain.
Improve your health with regular check-ups
Even if you simply squint on occasion, it’s a good idea to get regular eye exams to maintain good eye health and keep any problems from escalating. If it’s time for your yearly exam or you have any concerns about your vision, contact our knowledgeable team at Classic Vision Care. Call us or book an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Millions of people suffer from dry eyes in the United States alone. Discover five common symptoms and how to prevent and treat this uncomfortable condition to avoid further complications.
Are Glasses Better than Contacts?
Trying to decide between wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Consider all the factors, including comfort, ease, and appearance. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you see your way through this significant decision.
Why Sunglasses are Important All Year Long
No doubt you always have your favorite shades close by all summer. But sunglasses protect your eyes all year long, even during darker winter months. Learn how they shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays any time of year.
How Astigmatism Affects Your Vision
Astigmatism causes a variety of symptoms ranging from blurred vision to eye discomfort and pressure. Understand how a comprehensive eye exam can pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and get your sight back on track.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Could you be at risk for glaucoma? The short answer is that everyone, especially seniors, is at risk for glaucoma. Learn how to lessen your odds of losing your sight through early detection and treatment.
5 Steps to Prevent Diabetic Eye Disease
People with diabetes are more vulnerable to certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Learn what steps you can take to slow their progression and potentially avoid them in the first place.