How Do You Take Care of Your Eyes?
Our eyes are the windows through which we view the world around us. Given the important role that our eyes play in our daily lives, it is essential that we give them the best care possible. There are many things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing at your best. Follow these simple eye care tips to maintain healthy vision:
Receive Routine Eye Exams: You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to be sure. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, 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 Eye History: Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
Eat Right to Protect Your Sight. A well-balanced diet is an important key to optimal eye health. 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 or kale, 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.
Maintain a Healthy Weight. 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.
Don’t Smoke: 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.
UV Protection: Sunglasses can be a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Give Your Eyes Proper Rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer, your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.
For more information about eye care in Clermont or to schedule an examination with Dr. Pennachio, contact Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999 or website.