Aging and lifestyle affect the eyes just like the rest of the body. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive in guarding your eyesight. These 3 tips are easy to implement and don’t require a great deal of investment in time or money:
- Get regular eye exams.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. Even if you don’t have diagnosed eye problems, it’s recommended that you keep up on regular comprehensive eye exams. This way your optometrist can detect any issues early and get you on a plan to prevent further damage.
- Take control of your health.
Chronic, especially unchecked, health problems can hurt your vision. For example, conditions like diabetes and hypertension make you more susceptible to retinal disease. Smoking is another bad habit that can cause premature degeneration.
Staying on top of medication and lifestyle recommendations will help you maintain overall health, and your eyes will thank you. The same goes for nutrition. Aim for low-fat, low-sodium foods, in addition to lean proteins and plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The more variety in color in your diet, the more nutrients you are getting.
- Use eye protection.
Accessories can offer both form and function. It’s especially critical in sunnier climates to practice proper eye protection. High-quality sunglasses filter out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays increase the risk for cataract formation and cancer on the eyelids. Make sure you look for the symbol that indicates UV protection. Not all sunglasses are created equally.
Also, active people need to think about safety glasses when doing chores and projects around the house. It’s easy to scratch your cornea from gardening, working outside, or drilling. Safety glasses can prevent all of these injuries.
Remember, we’re here to help you know how to protect your eyes while still looking and feeling your best. If you have any concerns related to your vision, make an appointment sooner rather than later. Your Midwest Eye Consultants doctor can address any concerns you might have regarding prevention and treatment.
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