Ways to Correct Eyesight Without Glasses

Eyeglasses are not the only way to strengthen your eyes and improve your vision. Many options exist, from extensive surgery to simple eye exercises that have been used to improve vision for centuries. If you need to correct your vision but don't want to wear glasses, consider some of these options.

Common Eye Surgeries

• Many types of eye surgery are available for specific vision problems. Examples include implantable lens surgery, cataract surgery and conductive keratoplasty that involves using radio waves to treat farsightedness. Some surgeries exchange the refractive lens of the eye with one better suited for the individual.

  The individual and the doctor will take specific health issues and age into consideration when deciding shich surgical procedure is best.

LASIK Eye Procedures

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK surgery, can reduce a person's dependence on eyeglasses and contacts. The procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea. This is accomplished by either a blade keratome (a device made specifically to slice the cornea) or a laser keratome. The FDA also warns that there can be complications as a result of LASIK, including loss of vision.

Eye Exercises

• Eyes have muscles that you can exercise. Doctors recommend exercising your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes each day. One ophthalmologist-approved exercise is to stand and imagine a figure 8 about 10 feet away. Without moving the head, trace the figure 8 continuously with your eyes. Another recommended exercise is to simply scan objects, near and far, moving your eyes as much as possible while keeping your head still.

Health and Nutrition

• Doctors recommend a healthy, balanced diet that stresses fruits and vegetables and keeps processed foods to a minimum to keep your eyes in top shape. Doctors also recommend taking a vitamin supplement with lots of beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. A low-fat diet is believed to aid vision as well, while smoking dramatically increases the risk of macular degeneration, a key factor in declining vision.