Dr. Katia Taba, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Retinal Specialist
The American Academy of Ophthalmology published the following article on Being Proactive about your vision.
As populations age and expand, we will see a significant number of vision problems increase.
Here are 10 ways to care for your eyes today so that you can enjoy healthy vision for years to come.
1. Know your family history: It plays a big role in your vision.
• Many eye conditions are inherited. You have a much higher chance of developing macular degeneration if a close family member is affected by this condition. Your risk of glaucoma is four to nine times higher than average if a family member has it.
• Ask family members about their eye conditions. This can help you and your ophthalmologist watch for conditions before they appear. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
2. Watch children’s eyes carefully as they grow.
• In childhood, eyes grow and change quickly. Watch for problems like misaligned eyes – these can signal a serious eye condition.
• Keep young children away from cleaning products and sharp objects to prevent permanent eye damage.
• Balance screen time with time outdoors. Too much screen time can cause dry eye and eyestrain.
3. Eat well and exercise.
• Many studies have shown that exercise and a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can protect against blinding eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
• Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods and low in saturated or animal fats is best for healthy eyes.
• Exercising moderately for 30 minutes a day, five times a week can help protect you from the same eye conditions.
4. Stop smoking.
• Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also makes dry eye.
• Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health.
5. Keep other health conditions under control.
• Chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, if left untreated, can affect your vision. For example, diabetic eye disease is one of the most common causes of blindness.
• Follow your doctor’s guidance carefully and attend all regular medical appointments. Do everything you can to remain in control of your health.
6. Wear sunglasses outdoors.
• Long-term exposure to UV radiation can damage the cornea and the lens and eventually lead to cataracts and eye cancers.
• Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation and wear them even when it’s cloudy outside.
7. Minimize eyestrain at work.
• If you work in an office, sit at least an arm’s length away from the computer and use the 20–20–20 rule throughout the day to give your eyes a break.
• Wear protective goggles if you work in construction or with chemicals or enjoy home improvement projects. More than 90% of eye injuries can be avoided by wearing proper eye protection.
8. Care for your contact lenses.
• Make sure you are washing your hands, storing contacts properly, and using cleaning solution for disinfection.
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`Source:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/healthy-lifestyle-now-good-vision-later