Good eyesight is very important and all of us want to keep our eyes healthy for as long as possible. Here are some guidelines and tips on how to maintain your eyesight and a lifestyle conducive to good eye health.
Make sure you schedule a regular eye exam. Most doctors recommend a once a year examination as the best way to diagnose problems before they become a major problem.
In addition, do some research to determine if you are in a high-risk category for eye problems. High risk individuals include African Americans, Native Americans, individuals with hypertension or diabetes, workers whose jobs are demanding on the eyes and those with a family history of past eye problems. If you are in one of these high-risk categories, you should avoid smoking, get plenty of exercise, eat a balanced diet, and wear eye protection when outside in the sun. You should let your doctor know if you fall into any of these categories.
Eating a well-balanced diet is great for your eyesight. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and fish, are great for your eyes. Eating fish in particular, is essential for good vision, as it contains essential omega-3 fatty acids which are critical to macular health.
Protecting your eyes from the sun is critical in maintaining your eyesight. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause damage, which is why it is critical to invest in sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection to help protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.
Women may experience changes in eyesight during pregnancy. Hormone levels can change your cornea’s thickness, temporarily causing blurred vision. While pregnant, you may require additional vision correction. You may also experience ‘dry eye syndrome’ during pregnancy if you wear contact lenses. The good news is that your vision should return to normal shortly after your baby is born.
If you smoke, your eyes are exposed to high levels of oxidative stress. Although the medical evidence has not been verified, smoking does increase your risk for a variety of health conditions affecting the eye.
These are just a few ways to keep your vision healthy; make sure you speak with your doctor for any further questions. You only get one pair of eyes so make sure you take care of them!