Eye Care Habits to Keep Your Vision Healthy
May is Healthy Vision Month.
As May comes to an end, we wanted to share with you some tidbits on keeping your vision healthy. Healthy vision is very important to your overall well-being. Don't take your eyesight for granted. Being proactive about maintaining your vision can help prevent eye diseases and even improve your quality of life. In this blog, we will explore tips for maintaining healthy vision, the importance of eye exams, and more. The National Eye Institute's theme for 2023 is Healthy Vision: Family Focus.
The importance of eye exams
Getting regular eye exams is crucial for maintaining healthy vision. Many eye diseases have no symptoms in their early stages, so early detection is key. Your eye doctor can also check for signs of other health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, during an exam.
When to get an eye exam
- Children and teenagers: Screenings vs. comprehensive eye exams for children are discussed in this article by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Adults: Every 2 years if under 65. Every year if over 65. More frequently if advised by doctor.
- People with risk factors: Every year or more frequently if advised by doctor. Risk factors include family history of eye diseases, health conditions that affect eyesight, and certain medications.
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays
The sun's harmful UV rays can cause damage to your eyes, potentially leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Protecting your eyes from the sun is crucial for maintaining healthy vision. Here are some tips for keeping your eyes safe:
1. Wear sunglasses with UV protection, even on cloudy days.
2. Wear brimmed hats to block the sun.
3. Avoid looking directly at the sun.
4. Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports or other activities that may cause eye injuries.
Importance of proper nutrition for eye health
"One of the best ways to make sure you have healthy eyes is to make healthy food choices and stay active, especially to help prevent diabetes and other cardiovascular problems." - Luke Potts, MD, PhD
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help maintain healthy eyesight. Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for good vision. Here are some foods that can boost your eye health:
Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and collard greens are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against age-related eye diseases.
Citrus fruits: Oranges and grapefruits are a good source of vitamin C, which can help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Fish: Fish, particularly those high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, can help to reduce the risk of dry eyes and macular degeneration.
"According to the AREDS 1 and 2, 10 year follow up study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology in March 2021, eating a healthy diet that incorporates green leafy vegetables along with diverse fruits and vegetables prove to be important dietary considerations in slowing the rate of macular degeneration. Additionally, other studies have shown consuming diets rich in marine sourced omega 3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of dry eye disease. It is also crucial to avoid cigarette smoking and control systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes to maintain healthy vision throughout life." - Joshua Zaffos, MD
Don't forget:
1. Schedule your routine eye exams.
2. Protect your eyes from the harmful hot Texas UV rays.
3. Eat leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fish to keep your eyes healthy.