Ways to Improve Perception

About 75 percent of American adults use some form of vision correction, according to the Vision Council of America, which indicates that most Americans struggle with vision perception. If you fit into this category, do not be dismayed. There are exercises and games you can do that will gradually improve your vision. Be sure to remove all contacts or glasses before attempting any of the exercises.

Puzzle Games

• One of the main causes of poor perception is that you may have poor vision discrimination. Vision discrimination allows you to clearly notice the difference between two similar images. Puzzle games that ask you to explain how two similar images are different are good ways to improve your vision discrimination.

Visual Memory Activities

• The ability to recall details that you observe is also another important perceptual skill. By viewing an image for 5 seconds and trying to recall as many details as possible, you are challenging your perceptual skills. Working with a friend or partner is best for this activity.

Hidden Picture Activities

• You should be able to differentiate details in the forefront from those in the background. This skill is particularly important when you are presented with a lot of visual information at one time. "Hidden Picture" images challenge your eyes to perceive images that may require you to concentrate harder on viewing, thus strengthening your focus.

Eye Rotation Exercises

• Many believe that good vision is 60 percent mental and 40 percent physical. Relaxed eyes that are not strained naturally see well. Clock and counter-clock rotations are excellent ways to improve your eye strength. To do this, slowly look as far left as possible without moving your head. Slowly rotate your eyes in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction while making sure to look as far in the focused directions as possible without moving your head. Do this slowly for about 5 to 10 minutes everyday three times a day.

Focus Activities

• Take an object and hold it very closely to your eye. Take note of as many details as possible for about 5 seconds. Then remove the object from in front of you and focus on an object that is distant from you for about 5 seconds. Repeat this and increase the time that you focus on each object by 1 second until you focus on each object for about 10 seconds each. Do this activity daily three times a day.

Consume Foods for Healthy Vision

• The Omega-3, Docosahexaenoic acid, has been proven to improve vision in those who consume it regularly. Food such as cod, mackerel, sardines, tuna and some milk brands contain high levels of DHA. See references for suggested daily intake. Also, beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and E are also linked to improved vision. Foods rich in these nutrients include carrots and squash.