Blurry vision can be a common concern, affecting people of all ages, especially in Nigeria.
While it can be caused by more serious conditions like diabetes, it may also occur due to minor triggers like prolonged screen time and allergens.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, certain natural approaches may help alleviate and even improve blurry vision.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through various ways and lifestyles to promote better eye health.
Read on to learn how to cure your blurry vision naturally.
Causes of blurry vision in Nigeria
You have blurry vision when your eyesight is not sharp and the details of the objects you look at are not clearly defined.
In this case, such objects appear out of focus causing you to squint to see better. Blurry vision can be caused by aging or certain health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Hypertension can damage the blood vessels including that of the eye leading to hypertensive retinopathy.
Other eye conditions that can cause this are hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
These conditions are farsightedness, nearsightedness and blurry vision respectively.
Presbyopia is an eye defect indicated by the inability to focus on close objects. This is often age-related.
It may also be common to experience blurry vision as you wake up in the morning or after a long screen time.
Natural ways to cure blurry vision in Nigeria
1. Eye Exercises:
Just as the body benefits from regular exercise, so do the eyes. Simple eye exercises can help improve your eye focus, strengthen your eye muscles, and reduce eye strain.
Use the following technique to stimulate the eye healthily:
- Palming Technique: Rub your hands together to generate heat, then gently place them over your closed eyes without applying pressure. This will act like a warm compress for your eyes. Simply relax and breathe deeply for a few minutes, allowing your eyes to rest.
- Eye Rolling: Slowly roll your eyes in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. This can help improve flexibility and reduce eye strain.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for your eye health. Include the following nutrients in your meals to improve your vision.
- Vitamin A: You can obtain this nutrient from carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. One can also get vitamin A in animal products like liver. It is essential for maintaining the health of the cornea. If you opt for supplements, be mindful of high doses to avoid serious health complications. This can arise due to toxicity caused by excess vitamin A.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds contain omega-3s, which support overall eye health.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These are antioxidants. You can find them in spinach, kale, and other green leafy vegetables. They can help protect the eyes from harmful high-energy light waves.
3. Stay Hydrated:
Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes and blurry vision. Ensure you drink enough water throughout the day to maintain your eye health.
4. Blink Regularly:
Long screen time from watching television, and being on the phone is a source of eye problems in modern times.
So, remember to blink every few seconds, especially when you work on a computer or read from these screens for an extended period.
5. Use the 20-20-20 Rule:
To reduce eye strain caused by prolonged screen time, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax eye muscles and prevent digital eye fatigue.
6. Warm Compresses:
Applying a warm compress to your closed eyes can help relax eye muscles, alleviate dryness, and reduce blurred vision. Use a clean, warm cloth and place it gently over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
7. Avoid Eye Rubbing:
While it may be tempting to rub your eyes when they feel tired, it can worsen irritation and contribute to blurry vision. Instead, use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and reduce discomfort.
Quit alcohol abuse and smoking
Habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use can lead to dehydration and blurry vision.
Also, the smoke from cigarettes can irritate the eyes and even cause optic nerve damage.
Conclusion
An important step to curing blurry eyes is to identify the underlying cause. Try out these lifestyle changes, maintain a nutrient-rich diet and be mindful of habits that can trigger eye problems.
However, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional in Nigeria if you experience persistent or worsening blurry vision, as it could be a sign of an underlying eye condition that requires specialized attention.
