How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Your eyes help you navigate nearly every aspect of your day. It’s possible to take your eyes for granted, especially if you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. However, neglecting your eyes can lead to potentially harmful eye conditions.
Give your eyes some regular TLC to help your eyes stay healthy and reduces your risk of developing:
Eye infections
Eye strain
Dry eye
Age-related vision problems
Continue reading to learn more from the eye care experts at Nationwide Vision.
Follow These Tips to Take Care of Your Eyes
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, no matter the weather or season. Exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts, which require surgery to remove. Wearing a pair of sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UV protection can help limit your exposure to both UVA and UVB rays.
Use Protective Eyewear
Protective eyewear— such as sports glasses or safety goggles— are designed to keep your eyes safe, unlike a standard pair of eyeglasses. Try wearing protective eyewear when you work with tools or play sports.
Ninety percent of eye injuries could be prevented with proper eye protection. About half of eye injuries occur at home, proving you should never let your guard down.
Quit or Don’t Start Smoking Tobacco
Do you smoke cigarettes or other forms of tobacco? Talk with your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
Smoking negatively impacts your eyes just like it impacts your lungs, skin, and oral health. Tobacco smokers have a higher risk of early developing age-related eye problems, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
In addition, people who smoke are more likely to experience worsened eye conditions like dry eye.
Take Time Away from Screens
Taking some time away from your phone or computer screen can be difficult to do, especially if your job requires it. Reduce the effects of eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look up from your computer and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Practice Proper Eye Hygiene
The viruses and bacteria that cause pink eye and other infections are easily spread. Following good personal hygiene can help to lower your risk of catching eye infections.
Eye care professionals recommend washing your hands before touching your eyes. If you wear contacts, follow the care instructions to keep your contact lenses clean.
It’s also recommended that you avoid sharing washcloths or eye makeup with other people.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Foods rich in vitamin A and antioxidants are great for keeping your eyes healthy. When at the grocery store, try purchasing produce that’s deep orange or dark green in color. Carrots and sweet potatoes are great examples of vegetables rich in Vitamin A.
If you enjoy leafy greens, add more kale to your menu. Kale is rich in antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help lower your risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can help prevent age-related eye problems.
Make Annual Eye Exams a Routine
Everyone should get a comprehensive eye exam periodically, even if you don’t need or wear glasses. It makes it easy for your eye doctor to evaluate your eye health and treat any potentially harmful conditions.
Eye care professionals recommend that you should get an eye exam once you reach the age of 40. This let’s your eye doctor screen for age-related conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
During the appointment, the eye doctor will apply eye drops to temporarily dilate your pupils. This allows them to get a better view of your eye and identify various eye conditions.
Schedule an Eye Exam at Your Local Nationwide Vision
Nationwide Vision can work with you to diagnose and treat your vision problems. We also provide preventative care and comprehensive eye care to all ages, making us your one stop spot for family eye care.
Find a Nationwide Vision location near you to schedule an eye exam today!