As we enter the month of May, we celebrate Healthy Vision Month, an annual event that reminds us of the significance of preserving our vision. Our eyes, the portals to the world, are essential to our daily lives, and it is crucial to take care of them to promote a lifetime of good vision. Here are some quick reminders as you take stock of your eyecare habits:
Digital eye strain: In today’s digital age, we spend hours in front of screens, be it computers, tablets, or smartphones. Prolonged screen time can cause digital eye strain, which includes symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain. Therefore, it is essential to take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away from the screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and focusing on something 20 feet away.
Consuming foods for eye health: Another significant factor that affects our vision is our diet. Studies have shown that certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes. Including leafy greens, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits in our diet can help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and dry eyes (Source). These nutrients can protect our eyes from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation, which can cause eye diseases. In contrast, a diet high in saturated fats and sugar can increase the risk of developing eye diseases. Therefore, it is vital to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources to support good eye health.
Regular eye exams: Maintaining a routine eye exam schedule is crucial to detect any underlying eye conditions early on. Eye exams can also detect other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It is recommended to get a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on age, risk factors, and medical history. Your provider can guide you to the right frequency for you and your individual needs.
Lifestyle changes: Smoking is harmful to our health in many ways, and it also affects our eyes. Unfortunately, smokers are more likely to develop cataracts, a condition that causes clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to impaired vision. Smoking also increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes damage to the retina and can lead to blindness. Thankfully, quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions and improve your overall health.
Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause damage to the eyes, leading to various eye conditions. Exposure to UV radiation is associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can lead to vision loss. Additionally, UV radiation exposure can cause damage to the retina and increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is critical to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors (Need some new sunglasses? Visit our optical department).
As we celebrate Healthy Vision Month and the importance of maintaining good eye health, we at Medical Eye Center are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality eye care. Our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists use state-of-the-art technology and the latest techniques to diagnose and treat various eye conditions. We understand the importance of regular eye exams and early detection of eye diseases to ensure optimal eye health. Don’t wait until you experience vision problems to schedule an appointment. Take action today and prioritize your eye health by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with us. Your vision is worth it.
Sources:
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/healthy-vision-resources/healthy-vision-month
https://www.medicaleyecenter.com/2023/02/22/what-is-computer-vision-syndrome-cvs/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/nutrition
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