Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.Comprehensive dilated eye exam
Visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure of your eye’s health. Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.Know your family’s eye history
Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports, doing activities around the home or when required in the workplace.
Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.Give your eyes a rest
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If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued or become strained. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
Purchase good quality sunglasses and look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
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