Daily Tips for Good Eye Health
From regular exercise to oral hygiene routines, there are plenty of ways individuals stay on top of their bodily health - and their vision should be no exception. The optometrists at our offices in Del Mar and La Jolla, CA, serving Carmel Valley and other areas of San Diego, understand the importance of tending to your eye health and detecting eye diseases as early as possible. That is why we offer comprehensive eye care services.
Here, we have outlined several things you can do to protect your eyes and preserve your vision. Let’s take a look at these daily tips for good eye health.
Eat Nutritious Food
Good eye health begins with the food you’re putting into your body. Make sure to fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc. These nutrients can help lower your chance of developing age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Some sources of these nutrients include:
- Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens
- Salmon, tuna, and other oily, fatty fish
- Eggs, nuts, and beans
- Oranges and other citrus fruits
It’s important to note that a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight-related diseases such as diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness.
Wear Protective Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t merely a fashion accessory; the right pair of shades can help you steer clear of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pinguecula by warding off the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. When shopping for your next pair of sunglasses, look for products with 99-100% UVA and UVB protection.
Be Mindful of Your Screen Time
For better or worse, looking at screens is a part of life. However, staring at computer screens, televisions, phones, and tablets for too long can cause eyestrain, dry eyes, and headaches. Keep the 20-20-20 rule in mind — every two minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 continuous seconds. We also recommend taking short, intermittent breaks that have you up and out of your chair or couch.
Avoid Smoking
There are many reasons why you should avoid smoking altogether — your eye health included. Smoking can put you at risk for serious eye issues that can lead to blindness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person is two times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) if they smoke than a non-smoker. Additionally, smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared to non-smokers.
Consult Your Eye Doctor Regularly
At the end of the day, you should never underestimate the significance of a regular eye exam. Since they are among the most sophisticated organs in your body, your eyes need specialized attention from an experienced optometrist who can ensure you have good eye health and detect any problems early on — and get started on treating you.
Schedule an Eye Exam With GW Eye Associates Today
At GW Eye Associates, we care about you and your health. With over 20 decades of experience as optometrists, our doctors have the skills and resources to make you feel confident about how you see — and how you look.
For more information about scheduling a visit with one of our specialists, our comprehensive eye care services, or what you can do to take care of your eyes, get in touch with our team today. You can call us at (858) 454-4699 or contact us online.
