Tips for Maintaining Good Eyesight

Once vision loss occurs, it can’t be repaired. That’s why it’s so important to practice preventative care to maintain 20/20 vision. Doing so means taking extra precautions to reduce the strain on the eyes and prevent eye related diseases.

1. Watch your diet. Nutrition plays a key role in eye health. A high fat diet and sugar spikes can cause damage to the eye. Follow a heart-healthy diet that’s high in whole grains, lean meats and fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants found in many plant-based foods are able to fight off the free radicals that cause eye damage.
2. Quit smoking. Smoke causes macular degeneration. Quit smoking and limit your exposure to secondhand smoke to reduce the risk.
3. Use caution in regards to screen time. Spending too much time in front of the TV, computer, iPad, and smart phone puts undue strain on the eyes. Use electronic in brightly lit rooms and take frequent breaks from the screens.
4. Wear glasses when needed. Wearing glasses or contact lenses when they are necessary will also cut down on the unnecessary strain on the eyes.
5. Protect the eyes from the sun. Avoid directly looking at the sun and wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors, even while in the car and on mostly cloudy days. The suns rays can cause vision loss down the road.
6. Protect the eyes. Wear protective eye goggle when working with hazardous materials to minimize the risk of eye injuries.
7. Get eye exams regularly. It isn’t always possible to see changes in the eye just by looking in the mirror and symptoms of eye diseases often appear only after some damage has occurred. To maintain healthy vision, get regular eye exams to rule out any issues and receive care as soon as possible if something irregular shows up.