It’s so easy to take our eyes for granted, especially with smartphones, Netflix, and Kindle demanding that we look at screens for most of the day. However, you don’t have to stop doing what you love to do to take care of your eyes. March is Save Your Vision Month, and we’ve put together some tips for eye health and protecting your eyes that are easy to do and will help to keep your eyes in top shape.
Quit smoking
Smoking is likely to give you cataracts, macular degeneration, optic nerve damage, as well as other medical problems. And while it may be hard to quit, you may ask your doctor for help to guide you to success.
Eat well
Maintaining your eye health starts with the food you eat. Lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc will help fight age-related vision problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Here’s what you need to fill up on these nutrients:
- Oily fish such as tuna and salmon
- Leafy, green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collards
- Non-meat sources of protein such as nuts, eggs, and beans
- Juices from citrus fruits and oranges
- Pork
- Oysters
Wear sunglasses
Wearing the right kind of shades is an excellent way to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays. It’s best to choose sunglasses that block between 99% to 100% of UVB and UVA rays. However, keep in mind that polarized lenses only reduce glare while driving, but they don’t necessarily add ultraviolet rays protection.
Limit screen time
Looking at a phone or computer screen for extended periods may cause:
- Blurry vision
- Eyestrain
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Trouble focusing at a distance
- Headaches
To protect your eyes, try the following:
- Make sure that your glasses are suitable for looking at computer screens.
- Ensure that the top of the monitor is level with your eyes, this way, you are looking slightly down at the screen.
- Use anti-glare screens if needed and avoid glare from lights and windows.
- If your eyes get too dry, try blinking more or use artificial tears.
- Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Every two hours, get up and take a 15-minute break.
Use safety eyewear
If you are exposed to airborne or hazardous materials at home or work, always use protective goggles or safety glasses. This is especially important if playing sports like racquetball, ice hockey, and lacrosse since these games can lead to an eye injury. Always wear protection for your eyes, such as sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses or helmets with protective face masks.
Protecting our eyes might not seem like such an essential part of life when we’re young. But as we get older, our eyes will become more and more damaged. It’s never too late to change a few habits to help protect the vision we have.
Are vision problems making you consider a move to senior living but don’t know if it’s the right choice for you? Request our free Stay or Go Guide.
