5 tips for maintaining healthy vision
Maintaining healthy vision involves much more than getting a regular eye checkup. A patient’s general health can have a major impact on their eye health. There are certain considerations that can help patients protect their eye health, ensuring years of healthy sight.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, and vitamin E are essential. Studies show that these nutrients can help lower one’s chance of developing issues such as macular degeneration or cataracts. Those who are looking for ways to protect and preserve their eyesight should eat a healthy amount of green vegetables, fish, and citrus fruits. Maintaining a healthy diet also protects one from developing diabetes, which is one of the main causes of blindness.
Always use protective eyewear
It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the United States each year, meaning that it is important for patients to protect themselves with the proper protective eyewear.
This is vital for patients who work in fields where their eyes are in close proximity to harmful substances. Those who are working on home improvement projects, playing hockey with their friends, or engaging in any other potentially harmful activities should make sure to keep themselves protected. Always protect your eyes against any potential harm.
Always Wear Sunglasses
While they are most often associated with style, sunglasses are incredibly important for protecting one’s vision. As such, patients should make sure to invest in sunglasses that provide actual UV protection rather than a pair that serve a mostly stylistic purpose. Excessive UV exposure increases the likelihood of developing cataracts.
The ideal sunglasses come with 99-100% UVA and UVB protection.
Throw out old makeup
Few people are aware that old liquid makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria.
It is vital to replace makeup products every few months to protect against eye infections.
Beyond that, patients should never share makeup products with other people, and they should make sure to remove makeup from their faces at night before going to sleep.
Take Frequent Screen Breaks for Eyesight Health
Whether it be a computer, tablet, or phone, screens are problematic for human vision. Looking at them for too long can cause one to experience eye strain, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches. Patients can avoid these effects by:
- Taking a break from screens every 20 minutes
- Making sure that the screen is at eye level
- Making sure that glasses and contacts are up to date
- Blink frequently
What is the takeaway?
The eyes are an incredibly sensitive part of the body that require great care. The first step is to be educated on all the ways that the eyes can be damaged. This enables patients to check all the boxes in terms of proactive protection. With the right care, patients can ensure that they have healthy vision well into their golden years.