The eyes are vital organs that need protection at all costs. The sense of sight helps ensure that you can move and function without difficulty. Taking care of your eyes will help to ensure that you enjoy the world around you.
Some eye conditions can lead to sight loss. Identifying and treating the conditions can help prevent vision loss. It is vital to ensure that you keep your eyes healthy. Learn how to take care of your eyes.
Eating a Healthy Diet
One of the best things that you can do for your eyes is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure that you eat a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eat fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon, and halibut.
These foods will help keep your eyes healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce eye problems. Obesity increases the risk of developing diabetes and predisposes you to get glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Wearing Sunglasses
Exposure to UV rays can cause damage to your eyes. Sun exposure can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Wearing sunglasses that block out the rays will help protect your eyes.
Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose wraparound glasses that offer protection from the sides. While some contacts offer UV protection, wearing sunglasses offers an extra layer of protection.
Protective Eyewear
If you work with or are around airborne or hazardous materials, you need to protect your eyes. It is necessary to wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries when playing sports or working in certain environments.
If you work in a factory or construction, you should have safety eyewear. You should also wear protective goggles or safety glasses when performing home repair projects. The protective lenses can help shield your eyes from flying objects.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking increases the risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration that cause damage to the optic nerve. If you find it difficult to quit smoking, seek professional help. Smoking is bad not just for your eyes but also for your overall health. It can lead to a wide range of medical problems.
A Healthy Lifestyle
Getting regular exercise will help keep you healthy, which is vital for eye health. Exercise can help prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These are conditions that can lead to vision or eye health problems.
If you wear contacts, take good care of them to prevent infections. Find out your family medical history and your risk factors. Avoid prolonged computer use and make sure that you rest your eyes as much as possible.
One of the best things that you can do to take care of your eyes is to schedule regular eye examinations. Having your eyes examined regularly can help detect signs of eye problems in the early stages. Visit your eye doctor regularly, especially as you get older. Your doctor will determine how often you will require examination depending on your eye health.
For more on best practices to take care of your eyes, contact Advanced Eyecare Center PC in Urbandale, Iowa at 515-303-4488 to schedule an appointment.