A study for the CDC showed that an estimated 61 million adults in the US are at risk for vision loss, but only 50% had seen an eye doctor in the past year.
We only have one pair of eyes, so let’s take care of them! This month, we’re sharing the ways you can keep your peepers healthy.
Eye Issues
The most common eye and vision health problems include:
- Poor vision
- Eyestrain
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Night blindness
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal disorders
Tips for Better Eye Health
1. Wear Sunglasses
Although sunglasses can be a fashion statement, functionality should be their primary purpose. Over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays can enhance your chances of macular degeneration and cataracts. The ideal pair of shades should block 99%-100% of UVB and UVA rays.
2. Eat Well
Certain foods can actually help prevent age-related vision issues like cataracts and macular degeneration. Nutrients like vitamin C and E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein are all said to support healthy eyes.
Vision healthy foods include:
- Green leafy veggies: Kale, spinach, collards, etc.
- Oily Fish: Salmon, tuna, etc.
- Protein: Oysters, pork
- Nonmeat protein: Eggs, nuts, beans, etc.
- Fruit: Oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, limes, and lemons
Additionally, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, so eating a healthy diet can protect your eyes in that way as well.
3. Cut Down on Screen Time
Did you know, staring at a screen can cause:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Trouble seeing long-distances
Many people don’t have a choice in the matter when it comes to working at a computer all day. However, there are still things you can do to improve your eye health in an office setting.
Try these tips:
- Adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is level with your eyes.
- Invest in lenses that protect your eyes from blue light.
- Try to take a 15-minute break from looking at the screen every 2 hours.
- Look 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds to help strengthen your vision for distance.
- Get your Eyes Checked
A key element in protecting your eyesight is visiting your eye doctor regularly. Seeing your optometrist or ophthalmologist should be just as routine as visiting your dentist or primary doctor. Eye exams are especially important for detecting issues early on that may not show signs or symptoms, like glaucoma.
More ways to protect your eyes:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid eating processed snack foods high in sugar
- Take care of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise frequently
- Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or working with airborne objects
You don’t need 20/20 vision to have good eye health in 2020! Share these tips with your friends and family to spread the word.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, The Colony ER Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on The Colony ER Hospital, or any of our concierge-level medical facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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