It’s very easy to start taking your eyes for granted. Try not to forget that your eyes are important and take these easy steps to keep those peepers healthy.
Eat Well
Great eye health starts with the food you eat. Ensure you get nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E that will help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Include the following in your diet:
– Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collards
– Oily fish like salmon and tuna
– Nuts, beans, eggs, and other non-meat protein
– Citrus fruits and juices
– Oysters and pork
Stop Smoking
Smoking makes you more susceptible to cataracts, as well as damage to your optic nerve, and macular degeneration, among other medical problems. If you’ve tried and failed to drop the habit before, keep at it as the more times you try to quit, the more likely you are to succeed. Reach out to your doctor for help.
Wear Sunglasses
The right pair of sunglasses will help protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as too much UV exposure boosts your chances of getting cataracts and macular degeneration.
Pick a pair that can block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays. Choose wraparound lenses that help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses are another option, reducing glare while you drive, but don’t necessarily offer any added protection.
Safety Eyewear
If you work with dangerous or airborne materials at work or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles.Even sports like ice hockey, lacrosse, and racquetball can also lead to eye injury so wearing eye protection and helmets with protective face masks will shield your eyes.
Take a Break from the Computer Screen
Here are a few ways to ensure your eyes are kept safe from overexposure to a screen:
– Ensure your glasses prescription is up to date
– If your eye strain persists, talk to your doctor about getting computer glasses.
– Level your eyes with the top of the monitor, which lets you look down at the screen.
See Your Eye Doctor Regularly
Everyone needs to get a regular eye exam, especially young children. This helps protect your sight and lets you see your best, while also finding diseases, like glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It’s very important to spot these early on when they’re easier to treat.
