How to improve eye health

It’s easy to take your eyes for granted and think that failing eyesight is just an unavoidable part of the aging process. While there are some eye conditions and diseases such as cataracts that you can’t prevent, there are some ways you can keep your eyes healthy and prolong the development of those conditions.

Here are a few tips:

• Follow a healthy diet. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are packed with nutrients and vitamins that can help ward off vision problems. Following a well-balanced diet also helps reduce obesity and your risk for type 2 diabetes, which can contribute to several problems related to eye health such as cataracts and blindness.
• Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to many health-related problems, and it makes you more likely to get cataracts and eye diseases. It’s never too late to kick the habit. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit, including programs, medications and other methods.
• Protect your eyes from the sun. Wearing wide-brim hats can help keep your eyes protected, but nothing beats the right pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Find a pair that blocks 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Stop staring at your phone. Staring at your phone or a computer screen can cause eye strain, blurry vision, dry eyes, trouble focusing at a distance and even cause headaches and neck, back and shoulder pain. It’s essential to rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds before returning to your device.
• Get an eye exam. You should get a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years depending on your age, risk factors and whether your wear glasses or contacts. You’ll discuss your personal and family medical history, and undergo vision tests and other tests for diseases. Seeing your eye doctor regularly will help you spot any diseases and conditions early when they are easier to treat.

If you want to learn more about improving the health of your eyes, call Longwood Eye & LASIK Center today at (800) 676-5050 to set up an appointment at one of our several locations.