According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 14 million Americans self-report some severity of vision impairment. What’s more, CBS News reports that six in ten Americans wears glasses or contact lenses. With vision being imperfect in such a large portion of the population, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your vision. There are simple steps you can take to increase your visual acuity and protect your vision.

Eat a Healthy and Varied Diet

Nutritional deficiencies can damage your sight so slowly that you may not notice until it’s too late. Vitamin A, beta carotene and healthy omega fats are all responsible for sharp vision, so be sure to include them in your diet. Fresh vegetables, fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds all offer the nutrients necessary for good eye health.

Wear Correction If Needed

An old wives’ tale still circulating states that wearing vision correction like glasses or contact lenses will make your uncorrected vision worse. This has been studied extensively and debunked in adults and children alike.   By wearing correction, you are avoiding eye strain, migraines and accidents caused by poor vision. Professionals can help you find glasses to ensure the clearest vision possible. A healthy adult should have an eye exam every two years or any time you note visual changes.

Avoid or Manage Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy can rob you of your vision and the effects are, sadly, irreversible. If you are at risk of developing diabetes, do everything in your power to avoid it. If you’ve already been diagnosed, dedicate yourself to managing your blood sugars. Careful avoidance of diabetes or management of insulin levels can save your sight.

Exercise Your Eyes Daily

Our eyes are designed to focus at all distances, yet many people spend all day and a large portion of the evening focusing on computer screens or handheld devices. Over time, this can make focusing on objects far away more difficult. Thus induced nearsightedness can make driving hazardous and also can lead to headaches and eye strain. Take a break from your screen every few hours. Go outside or look out a window and focus in the distance for several minutes. This not only relaxes your eyes, but gives your mind a moment to refocus as well.

Your vision is not static and can change over time. By keeping these tips in mind, you can keep your eyes strong and healthy so you can enjoy sharp vision for years to come.