Regular Eye Exams
Eye exams are more than knowing whether you can see clearly out of your glasses. Doctors can see many things during an eye exam that are related to your health. Did you know that many people first discover they have diabetes after seeing their eye doctor? Looking into the eye with the right equipment can also reveal heart disease and some forms of cancer. Most eye doctors recommend you have a comprehensive eye exam once a year.
Wear Sun Protection
While most of the sun damage we do to our eyes occurs in our early years, wearing sun protection like sunglasses and hats can help prevent more damage to the eye and to the skin around the eye. Sunglasses also help provide a better and safer vision experience while driving, while around snow or water settings or any time you may encounter glare. Polaroid sunglasses offer a clearer vision option and fit-over sunglasses that go over your current prescription eyewear can help keep your costs down.
Eat Eye Healthy Foods
- Foods high in Omega-3s may help prevent dry eyes. Salmon, tuna and sardines are all high in omega-3s. If you are not a fan of seafood you can take an omega-3 supplement.
- Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin which help slow down the development of macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Brightly colored fruits and vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, berries and pumpkin all have carotenoids - which may help prevent many eye diseases.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for other parts of your body. Did you know:
- Smokers double their risk for cataracts
- Smokers have a three-fold increase in the risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
- Smokers are more likely to develop uveitis. Uveitis is a serious eye disease that can cause complete vision loss.
- Smokers may double their chances to develop diabetes.Diabetic retinopathy damages the blood vessels in the eye and can cause vision loss.
- Smokers are twice as likely to suffer from dry-eye syndrome.
However, it is never too late to stop smoking. Quitting smoking, even later in life, can dramatically reduce your risk of developing these diseases.
Diabetics - Keep your blood sugar in check
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing vision loss than those without diabetes. It is important for those with diabetes to keep their blood sugar within their personal target range that has been assigned by their physician. Also, be sure to see your eye doctor for your regular eye health visits as well as if you have any sudden changes in your vision.
