There are some steps you can take to maintain the health of your eyes in addition to a visit to your Calgary Optometrist. Here are six steps for healthy eyes.
1) Eat for Good Vision
Protecting your vision begins with nutrition, nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E. Including these in your diet regularly will ward off age related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collards, consume salmon, tuna and oily fish for their Omega 3’s. Eggs, nuts, beans and any other non meat foods to supply protein and oranges and other citrus fruits and juices rich in vitamins C and E. Maintain a healthy weight so you will be less prone to type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of blindness in adults.
2) Quit Smoking
Smoking makes it much more likely a person will develop cataracts, suffer optic nerve damage and macular degeneration. If you have tried to quit smoking or quit and started again don’t give up. The more attempts a person makes the odds are more likely you will succeed.
3) Wear Sunglasses
The right kind of sunglasses protects eyes from the sun’s harmful UV (ultra violet) rays, too much exposure to UV rays makes it more likely you will develop cataracts or macular degeneration. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UV and UVB rays. Wrap around glasses protect the sides of your eyes while polarized glasses reduce glare when driving. Contacts provide some protection, however wearing sunglasses as well to be sure your eyes are protected.
4) Use Safety Eyewear
Whether you work with hazardous or airborne material on the job or at home always wear protective goggles or safety eyeglasses. Some sports such as ice hockey, racquetball or lacrosse can lead to eye injury. A helmet with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses to shield the eyes.
5) Look Away from the Computer Screen
Focusing on the computer screen can strain the eyes, cause blurry vision, trouble focusing at a distance, dry eyes, headache, as well as neck, back and shoulder pain.
6) Visit your Optometrist Regularly
Regular checkups help to protect your eyesight, eye exams can detect eye conditions such as Glaucoma which has no symptoms, Early detection is extremely important and part of your thorough eye exam.
Be sure to visit your local eye doctor to avoid issues with your eyes.
