Our eyesight is one of our most prized possessions and it is vital to take good care of it at any age, but especially as we get older. Though many things may be weighing on your mind currently, it is important to focus on what you can do to keep not only your eyes, but your whole body healthy. 

3 Quick Tips for Healthy Vision:

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle:  Eat foods rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc such as carrots, kale, broccoli, oranges, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.  These vitamins are not only good for your eyes they can also help support a healthy immune system.  Stay active!  Walking not only helps keep your eyes healthy it may also keep your body healthy by helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering blood pressure.

1. Protect against UVA/UVB rays:  While outside, even on cloudy days, the sun can damage your eyes and may even lead to cataracts or developing macular degeneration.  Wear filter lenses while outside to protect against the UVA/UVB rays. 

1. Schedule your annual eye exam:  Did you know that your optometrist can detect some diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes during a comprehensive dilated eye exam? In addition, many common eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration often don’t have any warning signs. However, early detection and treatment can help keep them at bay. 

While staying at home you may have increased the amount of time you spend on the computer or watching TV.  If you have an eye condition that increases glare sensitivity you may be experiencing discomfort or the inability to see images clearly.  Wearing filter lenses with glare control may help reduce glare and increase contrast to reduce discomfort.  When focusing on one thing we sometimes forget to blink, and our eyes can get dry and fatigued, therefore make the effort to blink often. Try practicing the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something about 20 feet away.  This will help reduce eyestrain. 

To have healthy eyes, you need a healthy body.  Spend time now focusing on your health, happiness, and well-being.

For further information on the topic and for additional resources, please see the links referenced in the article.  Connect with us to request a FREE Low Vision Essentials Catalog.