Top 7 Tips For Keeping Your Eyes Healthy
Dr. Young H. Choi M.D. in Birmingham is ready to help you with any of your vision issues. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be proactive when it comes to eye health. Taking a few steps now can help you protect your eyes in the long term. From changing your diet to changing some of your habits, here are some tips on how to keep your eyes healthy.
1. Eat a Nutritious Diet
Like other parts of your body, your eyes need vitamins and nutrients. We suggest eating fish, like salmon and tuna, along with green leafy vegetables like spinach. Other sources of protein, like eggs and nuts, can also deliver the nutrients you need.
It's also wise to add oranges and other citrus fruits to your diet. By doing this, you can help ensure that you get vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that can help you avoid age-related vision problems. A healthier diet will also help you stay at a healthier weight, which can help you avoid weight-related vision issues. Exercising as a part of a healthy lifestyle can also help you ward off some types of vision problems, keeping your eyes healthier.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just for driving on sunny days. It's a good idea to wear them whenever you're outside to protect your eyes from UV rays, which can lead to macular degeneration and other issues.
3. Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking can bring a number of health benefits and healthy eyes are one of them. It can reduce your risk of developing cataracts and help you avoid other problems that could affect your vision. Kicking this habit can be hard, but it's well worth it.
4. Take a Break When Using a Computer
If you have to use a computer for long periods of time, make sure that you're taking a break occasionally. Staring at a screen for too long can cause eyestrain, dry eyes, or blurry vision. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes or so by looking at an object that's farther away. Giving your eyes a chance to focus in a different way can help keep them healthier.
5. Use Safety Glasses
If your workday requires a workshop or job site instead of a computer, make sure that you're always wearing safety glasses. These can keep dangerous chemicals or debris away from your eyes. It's also a good idea to wear this kind of eye protection while you're playing sports.
6. Clean Contact Lenses Properly
If you wear contact lenses, make sure that you're handling and cleaning them in the right ways. Wash your hands before you put them in, use approved eye drops and solutions, and make sure you don't wear them for longer than you're supposed to. It may be tempting to try and save money on new contacts, but wearing lenses past their shelf life can have damaging effects.
7. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
No matter how busy you are, make sure to get to the eye doctor for your regular eye exam. Most doctors recommend getting an exam every year, which can help them see if you need new corrective lenses. It can also allow them to spot potential medical issues before they become more significant and harder to treat.