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More than 150 million Americans suffer from some type of correctable vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Not all eye diseases or injuries can be prevented, but there are many good habits that can help you ensure optimal eye health. As always, consult with your local physician for any tips or recommendations that may be custom to your specific health situation.
Your eye doctor will be able to look over your history and give you guided advice to best care for your eyes and vision.
Protect Your Eyes
Looking to delay the development of cataracts? UV-blocking sunglasses can prevent retinal damage and keep your eyes in top shape. Sunglasses can also protect your sensitive eyelid skin to stave off wrinkles and skin cancer around the eye. When buying glasses, check for 100% UV protection.
Sunlight isn’t the only potential danger to your eyes. The AAO estimates that about 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Home improvement projects or sports like baseball and hockey commonly cause eye injuries. Always wear protective glasses when there is chance of injury.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
The body is like a complex machine. Every part works together to form the whole. So when you make poor dietary decisions or pick up bad habits like smoking, you can cause damage to your body, including your eyes.
Tobacco smoking is directly linked to many adverse health effects, including age-related macular degeneration, according to the AAO. Studies have shown that smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop AMD than people who have never smoked.
When it comes to your diet, not getting enough vitamins from healthy foods can impair your retinal function. A variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, are an important part of your diet.
Research also shows that people who eat diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD, according to the AAO.
Care for Your Contacts
Follow your eye doctor’s instructions regarding the care and use of contact lenses, as improper usage can be a common culprit for eye injuries.
If you wear contacts, don’t do these things:
Sleep in contacts that are not approved for overnight wear.
Use saliva or water as a wetting solution.
Use expired solutions.
Use disposable contact lenses beyond their wear.
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