--- title: "Vision Health: Insights about Eyesight" description: With a little initiative and willpower, good vision health can be achieved by taking the following steps... image: https://blog.usfhp.net/hubfs/rainbow%20eye.jpg --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Vision Health: Insights about Eyesight Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Oct 5, 2020 3:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![rainbow eye](https://blog.usfhp.net/hs-fs/hubfs/rainbow%20eye.jpg?width=1349&name=rainbow%20eye.jpg) Photo by [Harry Quan](https://unsplash.com/@mango_quan?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/eye?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) # Vision Health: Insights about Eyesight The eyes are commonly known as the windows to the soul, and rightfully so, as they give insight into one’s emotions and thoughts. In fact, vision is the most dominant sense of all human senses and [80% responsible](https://medicalfuturist.com/future-of-vision-and-eye-care/) for how we comprehend and experience the world.  Over time, one’s [visual acuity](https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/visual-acuity?sso=y)—sharpness of vision—may deviate from the ideal 20/20 vision score and pose challenges to [instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553126/#:~:text=Instrumental%20activities%20of%20daily%20living,improve%20the%20quality%20of%20life.), requiring the use of contacts and glasses to restore eyesight. While changes in eyesight are completely normal as we age, in many cases, vision loss is preventable. With a little initiative and willpower, good vision health can be achieved by taking the following steps:  **Get an Eye Exam** Getting your eyes checked is the only way to determine eye health as some vision problems can go undetected. Eye doctors may also identify risks for [other health conditions](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/surprising-health-conditions-eye-exam-detects) like diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disease. The frequency of appointments largely [depends on age](https://atlanticeyeinstitute.com/how-often-should-you-get-an-eye-exam/). If it’s been a while since you’ve had a comprehensive eye exam, consider scheduling an appointment soon to check your status.  **Commit to a Healthier Lifestyle** It’s no surprise that healthy eating and exercise improve eye health. The key to successful lifestyle changes is to **introduce small habits at a manageable pace**. For example, it may be more realistic to gradually reduce sugar intake than to cut it out abruptly. Taking it slow will still produce the positive affects you need to make a ‘visible’ difference.  **Protect Your Eyes** While enjoying the great outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. [UV rays](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/eye-protection/) can cause sunburn to the eyes and contribute to vision impairment. Be sure to select shades with [100% UV protection](https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2018/07/sunglasses.protect.php) to ensure the best safeguard.  **Rest Your Eyes** Staring at a computer or smartphone for long periods of time can put enormous strain on your eyesight—causing blurry vision and dry eyes. Taking regular breaks can alleviate pain and discomfort. Healthline recommends trying the [20-20-20 rule](https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/20-20-20-rule): Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  Make every effort to protect the most important sense organ and expressive tool for nonverbal communication. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  USFHP is proud to offer comprehensive care with enhanced benefits such as [$0 to low cost eyeglasses](https://usfhp.net/your-plan/vision-benefits/) through Davis Vision. Call 1-800-241-4848 to enroll now. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Bonus: Thank you for reading this article! You earned a corny eye joke to share with your family and friends:  Q: Why did the phone wear glasses?  A: Because it lost its contacts! 😊  Topics: [TRICARE](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/tricare), [TRICARE Prime](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/tricare-prime), [TRICAREVision](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/tricarevision) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)