The Healthy Eye Checklist
According a 2007 survey conducted by the AOA (American Optometry Assoc.), over 50% of Americans value their eyesight as the most important sense and are most concerned about its loss. Despite that fact, most of us give little thought to keeping our eyes healthy. To maintain healthy eyes, follow these simple tips.
Have a Yearly Eye Exam: You may have issues with your eyesight that you are not aware of. To be certain your eyes are in good shape is to have a complete eye exam by an licensed optometrist. It’s not uncommon for people to overlook issues with their vision. They are unaware that their vision could be improved with contact lenses or glasses.
Diseases of the eye like diabetic eye disease, age-realted macular degeneration and glaucoma can strike without warning. A comprehensive dilated eye exam which allows an optometrist to careful inspect the back of the eye can catch these conditions in the early stages, making it more likely that the conditions can be treated.
Find Out All You Can About Family Eye Health History: This can often be a difficult subject to broach but it’s something you should be asking your family. Most diseases and conditions of the eye are heridetary and so its critical you understand where you stand. Understand your family’s eye health history can help you understand if you’re at risk for developing serious eye conditions.
A Healthy Diet Can Mean Healthy Eyes: There’s a common belief that “carrots” are the best veggie for the eyes. But, spinach and other dark, leafy greens offer more benefit to eye health. Fruits and vegetables are an invaluable part of an eye healthy diet. It’s also been established that fish that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna) are good for the eyes.
Keep a Healthy Weight and Lifestyle: An unhealthy weight leads to dangerous medical conditions like diabetes resulting in vision loss, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Consider speaking with your physician if you feel you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight. If you don’t smoke, keep it that way. If you’ve started.quit. Along with the many other risks associated with smoking, it has been linked to cataracts and retinal and optic nerve damage.
Rest and Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses are often purchased based on their fashion effect, however they are great for eye health provided they block 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. If you’re playing sports or performing any activity that recommends safety glasses, wear them.
In this world of computers and video games, many of us find ourselves glued to some sort of monitor for the majority of our day. Optometrists recommend the 20-20-20 rule which teaches us to look away from the screen to a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This helps reduce the strain on your eyes.
Keep Your Hands and Your Contacts Clean: Wash your hands completely before removing or putting in contact lenses. This will reduce any risk of infection. Don’t wear your contacts longer than is recommended and disinfect as scheduled and according to directions.
Treat your eyes with the respect they deserve. Follow these types to maintain healthy eyes.
Looking for a San Antonio eye exam location? Head to one of Eye-Deal Vision’s three locations. This San Antonio Optician and Eye Care Center provides exceptional service with affordable eyeglasses and contact lenses.
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