I See What’s Going On

Human beings tend to favor sight over other senses, with a vast majority claiming vision is most important for decision-making. As a result, keeping the eyes healthy is crucial for having a high quality of life. Each of the following tips can keep the eye in top shape both now and in the future.

Eat right

Food intake plays a huge role in an individual’s overall health, from head to toe. Processed or fried foods can do a number on the body, including damage to the eye and impairing vision. Conversely, fruits, vegetables, and nuts with vitamins C and E promote ocular health and strong vision. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and seeds can work wonders as well. Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice have been shown to improve eye health and lower the risk of certain diseases.

Stay in balance

Along with food, maintaining safe blood sugar levels is important. Patients with diabetes are at higher risk for diseases like macular degeneration that can lead to irreparable damage. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol also plays a role in eye health.

Talk with your family

Many eye conditions, like macular degeneration and glaucoma, are hereditary. The likelihood of having these types of diseases increases exponentially if a close family member already has the ailment. Reporting this information will help an eye doctor watch for symptoms that might otherwise go overlooked.

Sport some shades

The sun feels great on a warm day, but those bright rays can do a number on the eye. A good pair of sunglasses can block ultraviolet light from the sun known to damage eyes. Wearing shades even on cloudy days is important for keeping eyes safe. Remember to wear safety goggles or eye shields when working with equipment or chemicals for protection. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break by looking 20 feet away.

Put an end to smoking

Smoking doesn’t only affect the heart and lungs. Individuals who smoke are also more likely to develop a range of eye issues from cataracts to optic nerve damage. Kicking the habit will lessen the chances of these potentially crippling conditions from happening.

Drink the right liquids

The body needs a sufficient amount of fluid to function properly. Drinking enough water each day is just as good for the eyes. On the other side, consuming too much alcohol can lead to cataract formation or other ocular maladies.

Rest your eyes

Computer screens, TVs, and phones are everyone in modern society. Staring at any of these devices for too long can lead to dry eyes, headaches, or problems with vision. Both the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology have adopted a 20-20-20 rule to combat this issue.

Cleanliness is next to godliness

Hands can become host to a myriad of germs responsible for various diseases and infections. Rubbing one or both eyes runs the risk of depositing those germs and is best avoided. If that’s not possible, at least make sure to wash hands as often as possible to kill unwelcome guests. The same holds true for contact lenses or anything else that ventures near the eye.

Your eye doctor wants to see you

Nothing compares to receiving regular eye exams for keeping sight in peak form. Ophthalmologists and optometrists can discover areas of risk or diagnose and treat diseases before problems arise. Tests can also determine the need for glasses. Vision has a habit of changing over time, and only routine exams can stay on top of an eye’s needs.