It is vital to create and maintain habits that promote good health, and proper eye care should be a top priority on your list to reduce the risk of developing eye health issues. On top of having a generally well-balanced routine and living an overall healthy lifestyle, there are several things you can do to keep your eyes healthy. Here are some recommended tips of advice from the latest thinking on eye health and safety.
1. Schedule an annual eye exam
The reason why an annual eye exam is so crucial is because even if your vision and eye health seem fine at the moment, an exam can uncover the early stages of many underlying eye diseases that go unnoticed before they can cause irreversible damage. An optometrist can even spot signs of other potential health issues by checking your eyes during an exam, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as certain cardiovascular conditions.
2. Wear sunglasses
The sun’s UV rays are not only harmful to your skin but your eyes as well. UV rays have also been proven to be a significant contributing factor in the development of many serious eye conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Protect your eyes from the UV rays by wearing sunglasses whenever you are outside during the day, no matter the season.
3. Rest your eyes
Daily and prolonged computer use can lead to digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome. Some of the most common symptoms that may occur when using digital screens and devices for extended periods of time include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes, to name only a few. Rest your eyes for short moments at periodic intervals to relieve the ill effects of digital eye strain by following the ‘20-20-20’ rule. Take a 20-second break viewing something 20 feet away, every 20 minutes.
4. Follow a healthy diet
It is essential to eat a balanced diet, not just for your overall health but also to promote healthy vision. Following a healthy diet containing the right amount of certain vitamins and minerals can boost eye health and reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions. Foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and peppers, can help slow cataracts and prevent macular degeneration. Dried fruits and apricots, and many nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pine nuts, are packed with Vitamin E, which also serves as an excellent antioxidant agent against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
5. Educate yourself!
Take the time to learn about common eye conditions, including signs, symptoms, and causes, which may help you recognize any changes in your vision. The earlier an eye condition is detected, the greater chance you will have of managing or preventing it.
If you notice any vision changes or if it is time for your annual eye exam, contact 3 for 1 Glasses Hamiltin to schedule an appointment for professional advice and treatment or visit our store.