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Taking care of your eyes should be a priority just like eating healthy and doing physical activity. A comprehensive eye exam can check for common vision problems and eye diseases. Some conditions can be easily corrected with glasses and/or contact lens and some eye diseases can be detected and treated at their early stages.
There are several ways to keep your eyes healthy. Some recommendations include:
- Get a comprehensive eye exam from your eye care professional during which each eye is closely examined for signs of common vision problems and eye diseases. This should be performed at least once a year; certain conditions may warrant more frequents exams.
- Eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight and managing chronic conditions can lower your risk of eye diseases. We’ve all heard carrots are good for your eyes, but eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens is important in keeping your eyes healthy. Research has also shown that eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and halibut have eye health benefits.
- Know your family history and if anyone has ever been diagnosed with an eye disease, since many diseases are hereditary. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50% chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma can increase your glaucoma risk by over 50%.
- Use protective eyewear to prevent injury (ex: on the job, playing sports or working in the yard). This includes wearing safety glasses, goggles, safety shields and eye guards that are made of polycarbonate.
- Stop smoking as it increases the risk of cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.
- Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from UV light. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of eye diseases like cataract, flesh growths on the eye, cancer and macular degeneration. Always wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection (polarized sunglasses can sharpen your vision when glare can be distracting) and if possible a wide-brimmed hat while enjoying the outdoors.
Written By:
Krishan Bhima, OD
Complete Family Eyecare