Preserving the health of your eyes is at once essential and simple. Few things are more important, or easier. And the payoff is immense: By adopting a small number of key lifestyle choices and habits, you can help protect your eyes and ensure a lifetime of clear vision.
Here, the experienced ophthalmologists of Mack Eye Center outline the best strategies for supporting optimal eye health.
Routine Exams
Regular eye exams not only keep your vision sharp if you wear glasses or contacts, but also help your Mack Eye Center ophthalmologist check for issues such as glaucoma, ocular hypertension and macular degeneration. Many serious conditions that put your vision and eye health at risk have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and can only be detected by a trained professional.
Sun Damage
Sunglasses are an important way to protect your eyes, and not just on sunny days: Harmful ultraviolet rays easily pass through clouds and reflect off water and light-colored surfaces. Quality sunglasses with high levels of UVA and UVB protection are essential to preventing damage to your eyes and the development of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Virtual Risks
Damaging ultraviolet rays are at the far blue end of the electromagnetic spectrum, but you can get an unhealthy dose of blue light even when you’re out of the sun. Computer screens and other digital devices emit blue light, as do high-definition TVs and the LED lights that are steadily replacing the old incandescent bulbs. Using a screen filter, special glasses designed for computer use and simply limiting your screen time, are all smart ways to protect your eyes and reduce strain.
Contact Lens Habits
If you wear contact lenses, keeping them free of bacteria should be a priority. When bacteria develop on lenses or in lens containers that haven’t been properly cleaned or replaced, the results can range from irritation to serious infection. And some types of eye infection can lead to loss of vision.
Key Nutrients
Many studies have demonstrated that a diet rich in key vitamins and minerals protects your eyes against serious diseases. Omega-3 fats found in salmon and other fish, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables high in beta carotene and anything that is a good source of lutein, zeaxanthin and zinc should be on your shopping list. Regular exercise is important, too. There is a strong link between vigorous physical activity and improved eye health.
If you would like to learn more about protecting your eyes and preserving your vision, schedule an appointment today at Mack Eye Center, conveniently located in Hoffman Estates.
