Blog
Many people strive to have a 20/20 vision. However, many do not realize that maintaining good sight goes beyond seeing things. Eye health is as crucial as general health. It entails caring for your eyes to ensure they remain healthy for life. Here are ways to keep your eyes sharp and healthy.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are a vital part of maintaining good eye health. They help your eye doctor detect potential problems early on for prompt treatment. Following prompt treatment, your eyes will be safe from serious damage. Eye exams entail different tests to evaluate your vision and check for signs of eye disease.
Your eye doctor will perform a visual acuity test. It will measure your ability to see at different distances. They will check for refractive errors. Your eye doctor will also examine your eye health by checking your eye pressure, examining your retina and optic nerve, and evaluating your overall eye health.
Experts recommend that adults get eye examinations every two years. However, you can do it frequently if you have some risk factors. They include eye diseases, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays
UV rays from the sun can harm your eyes. Prolonged exposure to them increases your chances of developing macular degeneration or cataracts. Wear UV protection sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays. Ensure they block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays. Experts advise their patients to wear wide-brimmed hats when going outside to shield their eyes from the sun.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your eye health depends on what you eat. Vegetables and fruits are a vital part of any healthy diet. These will give you the nutrients to support your eye health. Foods high in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and vitamin C are ideal.
Eating leafy green vegetables helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. They include spinach and kale, both rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Go for fish like salmon and tuna for your supply of omega-3 fatty acids. Keeping a healthy diet reduces your chances of developing dry eye syndrome or even age-related macular degeneration.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is harmful to general health. It also causes significant harm to the eyes. It can increase your risk of experiencing optic nerve damage. Smoking also causes the development of some eye conditions like cataracts. Quitting can help protect your eyes and improve your overall health.
Take Breaks From Screen Time
Many people use digital devices for work, education, and entertainment. However, staring at these screens for long periods can lead to eyestrain and discomfort. To prevent this, experts advise taking breaks from screen time. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a break after 20 minutes of using the digital device and stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is ideal for good eye health. Dehydration makes the eyes dry. As a result, they become uncomfortable and can cause further problems. Experts advise drinking at least eight glasses of water daily to hydrate your body and eyes.
For more about 20/20 vision, visit Super Optical Express at our office in Gainesville, Florida. Call 352-702-9700 to book an appointment today.