- Eat a healthy diet. Consuming a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables is great for your overall health but especially for your eyes. Also aim to eat tuna and salmon and other fish that have omega-3 fatty acids.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking is not good for your overall health, and research shows smoking is linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other conditions that can lead to blindness.
- Know your family history. It’s important that you know your family’s health history, including their eye health history. You’ll want to know this information before you see your eye doctor for an exam.
- Get a comprehensive eye exam. Annual eye exams are critical to maintaining the health of your eyes and also staying on top of any eye diseases or conditions that may arise. Many eye conditions and diseases don’t have symptoms and are only found during tests at your eye exam.
- Wear sunglasses. Look for shades that block 100 percent of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays.
- Give your eyes proper rest. So many of us are spending more and more time looking at a screen. All this digital time can take a toll on our eyes. Extended use of smart phones, TVs and laptops can cause eye strain and lead to a host of other problems such as dry eyes and headaches, not to mention blurred vision and neck pain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule and take a 20-second break from the screen at least every 20 minutes by looking at something that’s 20 feet away.
Following these tips are key to maintaining eye health for years to come. Regular eye exams is crucial to maintaining good eye health. Call (508) 836-8733 for an appointment.