Eight Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
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It is easy to take your eyes for granted if you have no vision problems. But patients still need to be proactive to prevent eye disease. So, how can you keep your eyes healthy? Birmingham eye doctor Dr. Young H. Choi has listed eight ways to keep your eyes healthy for life. At Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, our team hopes to provide the best care possible. Schedule a regular eye exam by contacting a member of our team today.
1. Learn your family health history
Many eye diseases are hereditary and passed on through your DNA. So, if you have family members with conditions like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, it is important to let your eye doctor know. Early testing is the best way to prevent and treat the condition before it leads to vision loss.
2. Wear protective eyewear
Whether you play on the local football team or spend time working in your garage, you should protect yourself with the appropriate eyewear. Safety goggles and similar gear can lower your risk of physical trauma and unwanted objects entering your eyes, including wood shavings and metal shards.
3. Wear sunglasses
Just like your skin, your eyes also need protection from harmful UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can contribute to eye conditions, like cataracts and macular degeneration. So, every time you apply sunscreen, consider putting on a good pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.
4. Live a healthy and active lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle does more for your vision than you realize. For example, eye-friendly foods like green vegetables, avocados, and fish can ward off eye diseases and keep your vision clear. Sticking with a fitness routine also prevents conditions that impact your eyes, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
5. Quit smoking
In addition to damaging vital organs like your heart and lungs, smoking has been linked to several serious eye conditions. Tobacco smoke is also a known eye irritant that causes chronic dry and itchy eyes. For these reasons and more, we strongly suggest quitting smoking as soon as possible.
6. Wash your hands
Keeping your hands clean is crucial when it comes to eye health care. This is because the bacteria from your hands can transfer to your eyes, which sometimes leads to infections. You should always wash your hands before touching your eyes, especially before you put in or remove contact lenses.
7. Pay attention to eye symptoms
Slight changes in your vision seem annoying at first but could indicate something serious. For example, dim or cloudy vision is a common sign of cataracts. If you notice any difference in your eye health or vision, report them to your Birmingham eye doctor. Untreated symptoms can create long-term problems.
8. Schedule regular eye exams
Patients should visit the eye doctor at least once a year for their regular eye exam. During this appointment, we administer tests to determine your eye health and visual acuity. As we mentioned earlier, these checkups are the only way to catch eye diseases before they lead to vision loss or even blindness.
How can you keep your eyes healthy?
So, how can you keep your eyes healthy for years to come? For years, patients have trusted their eye health care to the professionals at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center. We are committed to providing patients with preventative exams and comprehensive treatment options. Meet with Birmingham eye doctor, Dr. Young H. Choi, by scheduling an appointment at our facility.