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How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Do not assume that you can see. Do these simple actions to maintain the health of your eyes.


1. Eat Well

Starting with the food you eat will promote good eye health. Vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids may all be helpful in preventing age-related visual issues such macular degeneration and cataracts. Put these foods on your plate to obtain them:

  • Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards

  • Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish

  • Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources

  • Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

  • Oysters and pork

Maintaining a healthy weight is made easier by eating a well-balanced diet. It reduces your risk of developing obesity and related conditions like type 2 diabetes, which is the primary cause of adult blindness.


2. Quit Smoking

It increases your risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts, and damage to your optic nerve, among many other medical conditions. If you've already tried to break the habit but failed, try again. The more attempts you make to quit, the greater your chance of success. Consult your doctor for assistance.


3. Wear Sunglasses

UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun might harm your eyes if you don't use the proper sunglasses. Your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration increases with excessive UV exposure.


Ideally, your sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Your eyes are better shielded from the side by wraparound lenses. While reducing glare when driving, polarized lenses don't always provide additional protection.


Several contact lens brands offer UV protection if you wear them. Sunglasses are still advised as an additional layer.


4. Use Safety Eyewear

Use safety glasses or protective eyewear if you work with dangerous or airborne chemicals.


Eye injuries can also occur during sports like ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse. Invest in eye protection. Your eyes will be protected by sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses or helmets with face shields.


5. Look Away From the Computer Screen

Too much time spent looking at a computer or smartphone screen can lead to:

  • Eyestrain

  • Blurry vision

  • Trouble focusing at a distance

  • Dry eyes

  • Headaches

  • Neck, back, and shoulder pain

To protect your eyes:

  • Ensure that the prescription for your glasses or contacts is current and suitable for using a computer.

  • See your doctor about computer glasses if your eye discomfort persists.

  • Adjust the monitor's top so that your eyes are level with it. This enables you to glance down at the screen.

  • Aim to minimize window and light glare. If necessary, use an anti-glare screen.

  • Choose a chair that is supportive and comfortable. Put your feet flat on the ground while you stand in that position.

  • Blink more frequently or consider using artificial tears if your eyes are dry.

  • Every 20 minutes, take a break. Take a 20-foot look for 20 seconds. A 15-minute break should be taken every two hours at the absolute least.


6. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Even young children should have frequent eye exams. It enables you to see clearly and aids in eye protection.


Moreover, disorders without symptoms like glaucoma might be found with eye exams. Early detection is crucial because this makes them easier to cure.


You can visit one of two types of doctors, depending on your need for eye health:

  • Medical professionals who specialize in eye treatment are called ophthalmologists. They are qualified to perform eye surgery, treat eye conditions, and offer routine eye care.

  • Following college, optometrists receive 4 years of specialized training. They can diagnose and treat most eye problems in addition to offering general eye care. Eye surgery is not done there.

A comprehensive eye exam might include:

  • Talking about your personal and family medical history

  • Testing your eyesight to determine your nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (a bent cornea that causes vision to become blurry), and presbyopia (age-related vision changes)

  • Tests to evaluate the coordination of your eyes

  • Tests of the optic nerve and eye pressure to detect glaucoma

  • Your eyes will be examined externally and microscopic both before and after dilating


Further tests could be required.

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