Published: 19 April 2022 | Updated: 30 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 30 September 2026: The original article/interview below is preserved, including its attributed quotations and editorial structure. Current evidence and guidance below should be relied on where older wording differs.
Vision specialists advise ways for patients to improve their eyesight
Many conditions that cause vision loss have various causes, requiring differing interventions to prevent or cure. Some of these conditions include diabetes, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
Gary Rodney, the Founder of Smart Vision Optometry and a leading Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Mosman, says there are many ways that we can improve our eyesight through behavioural modification.
“For example, Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients found in certain foods can help lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration,” said Gary. “A healthy diet also helps reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease and help prevent age-related ocular degeneration.”
Researchers estimate that around 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year. These have a wide range of causes, but wearing the proper glasses can help prevent some more common vision problems.
Even everyday activities can be dangerous. For example, some of the most common injuries occur while playing sports and performing household chores.
Proper protective eyewear can help prevent injuries and minimise the effects of chemicals and impacts on the eyes during activities. However, wearing glasses in some circumstances is not recommended for safety reasons. If they break, you run the risk of broken glass getting into your eye.
The sun is another potential hazard. UV protection sunglasses are also worn to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Wearing them can help prevent vision loss and ward off cancer.
People who are more commonly prone to suffering from UV light exposure include outdoor sports persons, farmers, and surfers, but anyone who spends a large majority of their day exposed to sunlight can be affected.
Gary Rodney stresses that choosing a pair of sunglasses that provide adequate UV protection is essential. In a pinch, wearing a hat and keeping an eye on the clouds is also a great way to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of UV light.
If you’re concerned about your ocular health, having a comprehensive dilated eye exam is a way to ensure that your eyes are in good condition. This simple test involves using special drops to widen your pupils.
Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.
Current evidence and clinical context
Healthdirect’s eye-care guidance includes protection for workplace and household hazards and appropriate examinations.
The original article’s broad nutrition claims are not an individual treatment prescription. Ordinary glasses and safety eyewear are not interchangeable. Choose protection for the task; sunlight protection also requires appropriate UV performance.
Related Smart Vision reading
Task-specific eye protection · Nutrition and supplement evidence
Frequently asked questions
Is there one way to improve every type of vision problem?
No. Care depends on the underlying cause.
Do ordinary glasses replace task-specific safety eyewear?
No. Select protection suited to the hazard.
Does general nutrition advice replace treatment?
No. Follow diagnosis-specific clinical advice.
