Vision. We use it for just about everything in our lives. Reading, driving, walking – all of the things we love in life are largely dependent on clear vision. Clear vision, while one of the most important facets of our lives, is often taken for granted. It is easy to put vision care on the back burner if there isn’t anything glaringly wrong.
We get it – you’re busy! So, we took the time to list 5 simple things you can do today to keep your eyes healthy and keep you happy.
1. First Things First, Book an Eye Exam!
You didn’t think you’d get off that easy, did you? All jokes aside, routine eye examinations are the most effective way of keeping your eyes in tip-top shape. During your routine eye examination, our expert doctors are able to diagnose eye diseases – sometimes before you even notice them! Remember, when it comes to your eyes – early diagnosis is key!
2. Make a Change in Your Diet
We know, we know. You’re probably tired of hearing it, but your diet greatly affects the health of your entire body (including your eyes). Keeping your eyes healthy and functional takes more than just eating a few carrots now and then. Here are some eye-friendly foods you can incorporate into your diet today:
- Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans and spinach. Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important to eye health. They keep your tear glands functioning normally and can reduce the effects of dry eye syndrome.
- Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and chard are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, which reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Citrus, berries and other vitamin C rich foods also aid in the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration.
3. Remember Your Sunglasses
Your sunglasses are meant for more than a fashion statement! Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays is extremely important. Excessive exposure to UV radiation has been shown to increase the risk of cataract development. Wearing your sunglasses also prevents photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pterygium (a fleshy growth on the surface of the cornea) and a rare form of eye cancer called “squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva.” Not to mention, it can help prevent crow’s feet.
Not just any sunglasses will do. To prevent these conditions, be sure to buy sunglasses that offer 100% UVB and UVA protection.
4. Keep Your Prescription Updated
You can keep your eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions up-to-date by attending your routine eye examinations (which you will definitely be doing, right?) No one likes to walk around with old glasses that barely do the job. Nip it in the bud and schedule your next eye examination.
How often you need your prescription updated depends on your individual eyes. Your primary eye care doctor at VisionPoint Eye Center will determine how often you should be coming in depending on your medical history, family history, and existing eye conditions. If you don’t like the idea of glasses or contacts, schedule your free LASIK consultation to make sure you are a candidate.
5. Protect Your Eyes at Work
If your job involves hazardous chemicals, flying debris and falling objects, protective eyewear is a no-brainer. However, those working on a computer for extended periods of time need protection too. When you go in for your next prescription update, ask for a blue light filter coating. This coating can be added onto your prescription to protect your eyes from blue light when looking at screens. The blue light emitted from computer screens can cause eyestrain and even sleep issues.
Are you looking to book your next routine eye exam? Contact VisionPoint Eye Center today at our main branch in Bloomington, IL.
