6 Simple Tips for Optimal Eye Health

From accidents to long-term vision loss, your eye health matters. Proper safety precautions like wearing protective glasses could prevent up to 90 percent of eye injuries, but there are also a few tips you can practice regularly to optimize your eye health!

6 Tips for Optimal Eye Health

Approximately 75% of American adults use some form of vision correction (64% eyeglasses, 11% contacts/glasses). Whether you already wear lenses or are simply looking to keep your eyes healthy, diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices can play a big part.

1. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam

Dilating the eyes is the only way to detect many common eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration in their early stages. Talk to your eye doctor about how often to have your eyes dilated.

2. Eat to maintain eye health

A diet rich in fruits and veggies, especially dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping eyes healthy.

3. Rest your eyes

To reduce eyestrain, especially when spending time in front of a computer or focusing on any one thing, try the 20-20-20 rule to help reduce eyestrain: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

4. Quit smoking

For the eyes, in particular, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

The risk of developing diabetes or other systemic conditions that can lead to vision loss increases in overweight and obese individuals. Talk to your doctor about how to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight for your body.

6. Clean hands and contact lenses properly

To avoid infection, always wash your hands before putting in and taking out contact lenses. Disinfect lenses as directed and replace them regularly.

 

A few simple changes could significantly improve your eye health and keep your vision strong for years to come. Chat with your doctor about these and other factors that could improve your eye health!