1. Learn your family health history
Knowing whether your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles have a history of eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma or ocular tumours can provide important information about your own risks. However, it is important to be aware of diseases that put you at an increased risk for eye disease, such as diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).
2. Eat right
Foods rich in lutein, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA have all been linked to better vision and better eye health. Fill up on leafy greens and other fresh fruits and veggies when you can and supplement with vitamins if you need to.
3. Quit smoking
Smokers have a significantly increased risk for developing age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of vision loss in older people. Smoking also increases the risk of developing cataracts.
4. Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses block the UV rays of the sun, which have been implicated in the development of cataracts. A good pair of sunglasses can also prevent damage to the retina and reduce your risk of developing some eye tumours. Look for glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
5. Use eye protection
Participating in sports can be great for your health, but sports-related eye injuries can wreak havoc on your vision. According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, a large proportion of serious eye injuries are associated with sports and leisure activities. Wearing safety goggles and eyewear designed specifically for sports can dramatically reduce your risk of eye injury.
Learn more about how to take care of your eyes
6. Get a baseline exam
Just because your vision is good now, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have an eye exam. A healthy eye exam provides baseline information that can be used to compare changes to if vision problems develop in the future.
7. Take care of your contacts
If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow your eye doctor’s advice regarding care and cleaning. Never sleep in contact lenses that are not approved for overnight wear and never use saliva as a wetting solution. Be sure to change disposable lenses as often as prescribed to avoid injury to the eye surface as well as potential vision loss.
See also: Age-related Macular Degeneration
8. Guard against eye fatigue
Today, many jobs rely on regular use of computers, and that can result in significant levels of eye fatigue. In addition, jobs or hobbies that require intense focus can also cause fatigue and eye strain. If you must focus on a computer screen or other task for a prolonged period, take frequent breaks to focus on more distant objects – ideally, at least a 20-second break every 20 minutes. Eye fatigue can also be an indication of an underlying condition such as presbyopia or it may indicate outdated prescription eyewear. What’s more, prolonged periods of staring at one object can contribute to painful dry eye syndrome.
9. Have your prescription checked regularly and updated as needed
Having your eyeglasses prescription checked on a regular basis can ensure you’re seeing your best. It can also help prevent against eye strain and muscle fatigue. Wearing an outdated prescription can cause chronic headaches.
10. Get regular vision checkups
Eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are easier to treat when caught in their early stages. See your eye doctor regularly to identify changes that could indicate the initial stages of a developing condition that could lead to vision loss. While it may be acceptable to see an optometrist for a change in your eyeglasses prescription, be sure to see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam. As trained physicians, ophthalmologists differ from optometrists because they offer a complete set of eye care services including surgical eye care and treatments related to other diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Most experts recommend a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years. Your eye doctor will determine the exam schedule that’s best for you based on your age and risk factors.
Do your eyes a favour by following these 10 simple tips, and they will reward you with years of good vision.
SEE ALSO: Protect your eyes
