Maintaining Good Vision Without Glasses: A Personal Experience

I am 73 now, and like many of my age, I still enjoy excellent distance vision and have no signs of cataracts. Sure, I need glasses for very small print, but that is normal. This inevitability comes with age. However, I have maintained my vision through a combination of genetics and some habits that I believe contributed to my good eyesight. In this article, I will share my journey of maintaining good vision without the use of glasses, and explain why genetics play such a significant role.

My Routine and Health Habits

I have been retired for almost two years, and during this time, I have spent a considerable amount of time on the computer and watching TV. For over 20 years, I averaged between 10 to 14 hours of screen time daily. Interestingly, I do not consume many green vegetables, and I also tend to sleep less than I should. Despite these habits, I have been fortunate enough to retain a good level of vision, which brings me to the next part of my story.

Living with Vision Challenges

Two years ago, I faced a health event that left me needing a walker. Even with the assistance of the walker, my movements are very slow, and I do not venture out much except for medical appointments. I have been living alone since then. This situation does not allow for regular eye care or daily maintenance routines, yet I do not heavily rely on glasses. This success in maintaining my vision without glasses comes down to a blend of familial genetics and the reduced physical strain on my eyes over the years.

Genetics and Vision

It is important to note that genetics play a significant role in maintaining good vision. I have always had good vision, with my visual acuity being 20/10 in my youth, and it remained at 20/20 even into my early 40s. In recent years, my vision has remained stable. Additionally, I have inherited good vision from my father, who also maintained excellent vision well into his 70s and relied only on reading glasses for very small print.

Contrast this with the common belief that computer use or poor lighting conditions can lead to poor vision. While these factors can contribute to eye strain, they are certainly not the sole determinants of vision quality. For instance, there is a widespread misconception that consistent eye exercises, prayers, or mantras can reverse the aging process or improve vision. However, such claims lack scientific backing, and the reality is that our visual acuity is influenced by the shape of our eyeball, lens, and cornea.

Science Behind Maintaining Vision

From a scientific perspective, the visual acuity of the human eye relies on the proper functioning of the cornea, lens, and eyeball shape. There is no known method to change these structures through eye exercises or similar methods. Modern medical advancements, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery, and lens replacement surgery, have proven to be effective in addressing vision issues, but they cannot reverse the natural aging process or the genetic predisposition to good vision.

However, one way to maintain a healthy visual acuity is to minimize eye strain and avoid prolonged periods of focusing on close objects. When you strain your eyes by trying to see things that are beyond their comfortable range, your eyes adapt and may eventually improve over time. This is why it is essential to break up long periods of screen time with breaks and to ensure proper lighting conditions in your environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while maintaining good vision without glasses is a significant challenge, and in my case, it is largely due to genetic factors, there are still steps you can take to support your eye health. Regular breaks from screens, proper lighting, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to the overall health of your eyes. However, it is crucial to recognize that the aging process and genetics play crucial roles in maintaining vision, and as such, regular eye check-ups and proper medical advice are essential.