Eye Care

There are many things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and make sure your vision is at its best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes throughout your lifetime:

• Eat for good vision: Caring for your eyes starts with the food you eat. Studies have shown that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collards is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or tuna, also contribute to eye health.
• Exercise regularly: Some eye conditions, such as diabetes, are associated with lack of activity and exercise so keeping fit will also keep your eyes in good shape. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.
• Give your eyes a rest: Working for hours on a computer, tablet or mobile phone can lead to eye strain. The National Eye Institute recommends trying the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a much-needed rest.
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors: Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays increases your likelihood of cataracts and macular degeneration. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses also help protect your eyes from the side.
• Wear protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear when playing sports, doing activities around the home, or when required in the workplace. This includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking is as harmful to your eyes, as it is to the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration – all of which can lead to blindness.
• Practice good hygiene with contact lenses: 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.
• Visit your eye doctor regularly: Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined at least once every two years. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you’re seeing your best. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realise they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. Comprehensive eye exams are also crucial in detecting certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms.