Do you have any New Years resolutions for 2017? Is taking care of your health one of them? When it comes to your health, your eyes should be a priority! Here are some tips for how to care for your eyes this year:
- Eat Healthy
The kinds of foods you put into your body are directly related to your overall health. If you want to feel better, you must eat better. Nutrients like lutein, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins C and E can help decrease your risk of age-related problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. You can get these nutrients from green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, as well as from salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, oysters and pork. Eating well can also help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes, which can cause blindness.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Just like you put sunscreen on to protect your skin, it’s vital that you protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses. Too much UV exposure raises the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration. When choosing sunglasses, pick ones that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Wrap around frames and polarized lenses can also help give you extra protection by blocking the sun from the side and reducing glare when driving. Maui Jim is a great brand for protecting your eyes. Come in and check out our selection!
If you are a contact lens wearer, some brands such as Acuvue offer UV protection in their lenses. Come in and ask our office about our contact lens fittings!
3. Limit Time on the Computer
Every back lit device such as a computer, phone screen, or tablet gives off harmful blue light rays. Staring at these devices for too long can cause eye strain, blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches. If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, make sure you get glasses with an anti-blue light coating to help reduce these symptoms. Also remember to take breaks, and rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s also important to remember to blink, as staring at the computer screen can cause you to blink less, causing dry eyes.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking puts you at higher risk for getting cataracts, and also damages your optic nerve which can lead to macular degeneration. Make this the year you end your habit for good, and stick with it! Your eyes will thank you.
5. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
It’s important to get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years, regardless of your age. Even if you don’t think you need glasses, it is still a good idea to get regular check ups to keep track of your eye health. Eye exams also check for diseases like glaucoma which usually have no symptoms, so early detection is key. Young children can also benefit from seeing an optometrist from an early age. Call us today to book an appointment!
