Healthy Vision Month

 

May has been named Healthy Vision Month by the National Eye Institute.  Here are a few easy changes you can make to improve the health of your eyes on a daily basis.

 

Improve Diet

Studies show that protecting your eyes from diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration starts with the food you eat!

A diet hight in nutrients such as lutein, zeaxantham, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc can go a long way toward keeping your eyes healthy.  These nutrients can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.  They can also be found in salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, and citrus fruits, such as oranges.  Eating a healthy diet also helps maintain a healthy weight, which lowers your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes–the most common cause of blindness in adults.

 

Reduce Eye Strain

Ensure adequate lighting and upright posture when reading.  This relieves strain, not only on your eyes, but also on your neck and back.  Reading material should be held at an angle no closer than the distance from your elbow to your knuckles (known as Harmon’s distance).

 

Follow the “20-20-20” Rule

Take frequent breaks when working on the computer by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

 

Use Protective Eye Wear

Wear safety glasses and eye protection when needed to reduce the risk of eye injuries.  Risky activities that require eye protection include wood-working, welding, and sports such as racquetball or basketball.

 

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

Wear sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.  UV rays can cause cumulative harm to your eyes even on overcast days. Sunglass lenses should block 100%  of UVA and UVB rays and be polarized to limit the amount of light that reaches your eyes.

 

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

The most essential component of promoting good eye health is to regularly shcedule each member of your family for a comprehensive eye examination with your optometrist once a year.  During the exam, you will have the opportunity to discuss any problems you or your children may be experiencing.  Your eye doctor can recommend the best solution to meet your needs.