Follow These Seven Tips for Healthy Eyes
People in their 20s and 30s are probably more preoccupied with their careers and families than they are with their eye health. But this is the best time to take preventative measures to protect your vision, which is why most vision problems are preventable.
Vision loss doesn't have to be a natural part of aging. Studies have shown that exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can protect against vision-threatening diseases like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Taking these simple steps can also help prevent certain types of eye cancer, as well as eye injuries from sports and work.
Follow these tips to see well for a lifetime.
Wear sunglasses (even when it’s cloudy): Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase your risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and even eye cancer. Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help prevent serious eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, which can indirectly affect your eye health. Cigarette smoke and tobacco make dry eyes worse, even for people who are exposed to it.
Protect your eyes at work and play. Thousands of people suffer eye injuries each year while working or playing sports. Many of these injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. Talk to your doctor to make sure you have the right protective eyewear and how to use it properly.
Don’t ignore eye strain: If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen or cell phone, you may forget to blink, which can cause eye strain. Try using the 20-20-20 rule throughout the day: Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Eye strain doesn’t damage your vision, but if it persists, it could be a sign of an eye problem. You may have dry eyes, nearsightedness, or your eyeglass lenses may not be adjusted properly.
Take proper care of your contact lenses: Sleeping, showering, and swimming with your contact lenses in increases your risk of developing eye-threatening infections. Follow proper contact lens care practices.
Know your family history: Some eye diseases can be inherited. If a close family member has macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the disease. A family history of glaucoma increases your risk of glaucoma by 4 to 9 times. Talk to your family members about their eye conditions. This information can help you and your eye doctor assess your risk of developing eye diseases.
Finally, remember that prevention is always better and less expensive than cure.