You only get one pair of eyes in your lifetime, so it’s in your best interest to take care of them. Taking steps to maintain eye health not only helps you see as clearly as possibly, but it can also reduce the risk of certain eye diseases (or at the very least, catch them in their early stages if they develop). We’ve compiled a few tips to help you take care of your eyes well into your golden years.
Diet and Exercise
A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables—especially dark leafy greens—gives your body vitamins and nutrients that support eye health. Fish with high omega-3 fatty acid content (salmon, tuna and halibut) also contribute to eye health. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of developing diabetes, which can cause poor eye health and vision.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, optic nerve damage, cataracts and other eye problems. This is one more reason to quit the habit, or simply avoid picking up that first cigarette.
Wear Sunglasses
While a fashionable choice of accessory, sunglasses also help protect your eyes from direct exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Make sure your shades offer protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Rest Your Eyes
Staring and monitors can strain your eyes, so it’s important to rest them periodically. Be sure to look away from the screen for at least a full minute at least once per 45 to 60 minute stretch of time.
Wear Safety Gear
If you’re playing a sport or performing a task—whether at home or at work—that puts your eyes at risk, remember to wear protective eyewear. Depending on the activity, this may include safety goggles, safety glasses, eye guards or safety shields. If this task is performed at work, the company should provide the necessary safety gear.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Annual eye exams are very helpful for correcting or adjusting your prescription, allowing you to see better with glasses or contact lenses. These exams also help your eye doctor catch various eye diseases—like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease—in their early stages. These diseases may not have warning signs, so catching them during an exam may be the only way to get a diagnosis and begin treatment. Plus, your vision insurance can help cover the costs of these checkups.
Are you covered? Call Sun Coast Legacy Advisors at (888) 455-5799 for more information on Florida vision insurance.