We should never underestimate the importance of eye health. But most of the time, we don’t notice or think about it until our vision gets weaker, or we suffer some kind of discomfort. Protect your eye health today, and learn what you can do to keep your eyes strong and your vision good later into life.
Get the Right Vitamins
The right vitamins in your diet will help keep your eyes strong and healthy much longer. If you get the right nutrients, you can combat age-related vision problems, like cataracts. Eating well also combats obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes. This particular disease is the leading cause of adult blindness. Here are the kinds of things you should be eating for the healthiest eyes:
- Vitamin C
- Citrus fruits, colorful fruits and vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers)
- Vitamin E
- Whole grains, nuts, sunflower seeds
- Zinc
- Whole grains, legumes, sunflower seeds, lean beef
- Zeaxanthin
- Leafy greens
- Lutein
- Eggs, leafy greens
- Omega 3
- Fish (salmon, tuna), nuts, flaxseed oil
Cut Out Unhealthy Habits
One of the big ones? Quit smoking. Smoking causes damage to your optic nerve, among many other health problems. It also increases your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Another is staring at the computer (or phone!) screen too long. Many of us have computer-related jobs, and we can’t afford not to look at a computer all day. However, that makes it all the more important to take breaks. When taking your breaks follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at a point 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You also should set your monitor so that the top is even with your eye line, so that you have to look down slightly at your computer screen.
Protect Your Eyes
When going outside in bright sunlight, or if you’re driving toward the sun during your commute, be sure to wear sunglasses. You’ll reduce the harmful effects of UV rays, which can also cause vision issues later in life. Sooner, if you never wear sunglasses or look at the sun. You should look for a pair that blocks 99-100% of UV rays.
You also should always use safety glasses or protective goggles when working around or using hazardous or airborne materials and debris. Wear protection as well when playing certain sports, such as hockey and racquetball, or when going swimming.
Get A Regular Checkup
The most important thing you can do? See an eye doctor every year. Even if you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s important to have an eye doctor check out your eyes and make sure that you are not suffering from any damage or vision problems. An eye doctor can check for diseases that have no other symptoms, such as glaucoma, or for troubling conditions like cataracts.
If you have questions about your eyes and eye health, contact us today! We’d be happy to help you and to answer your questions.