How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Did you know that your eyes are the only place on your body where the blood vessels are close to the surface? This makes them vulnerable to a wide range of eye problems, from dry eye syndrome to glaucoma. In this blog post, we will focus on how to keep your eyes healthy and strong by following four simple steps. Keep reading to learn more, and contact your trusted eye doctor in Scottsdale at Visions Optique to schedule a comprehensive eye exam!
Eat a Balanced Diet
Did you know that what we eat has a direct impact on the health of our eyes? This is because certain nutrients help protect and maintain healthy vision. For example, zinc helps improve dark adaptation after exposure to bright light. This can be very important if you work in an office with fluorescent lighting. Other foods and supplements such as leafy greens, eggs, fatty fish like salmon or tuna, carrots, beans, and more are all great for your eyes.
Watch What You Drink
Drinking beverages with high sugar content, such as soda or energy drinks, also puts strain on the body's ability to produce tears. For this reason, it's best to limit these types of beverages in order to reduce symptoms. Sports drinks and fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar, which isn't good for your eyes either. Sugar-packed beverages contribute to diabetes, which is linked with increased risk for glaucoma (high pressure inside the eyeball). Your daily recommended fluid intake should consist mostly of water — about eight glasses per day minimum.
Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Did you know that too much caffeine can lead to dry eye syndrome and even cause permanent loss of vision? This is because it causes your eyes’ tear glands to work overtime. Try to limit your caffeine intake as much as possible, and drink plenty of water or herbal tea instead.
Limit Your Screen Time
If you work on a computer all day, make sure to take regular breaks. If possible, try to use the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of staring at a screen or digital device, look away for 20 seconds at something else that's about 20 feet away. This will help decrease eye fatigue and strain. Even if it feels like just looking around won't be enough time to rest your eyes, this short break could save you from experiencing headaches.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Did you know that exposure to ultraviolet light can damage cells in our eyes? This is especially true for those who work outdoors or enjoy spending time at the pool. It’s important to wear sunglasses every day — not just during sunny days! Get a pair with UV protection lenses and take care not to leave them anywhere where they could be damaged by sunlight (or UV-A radiation). This includes leaving them on top of a car while it is parked outside or even inside an unlocked vehicle if left unattended long enough! And never use sunscreen around your eyes as the chemicals can cause eye problems such as cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and more.
Wear the Right Contact Lenses
Did you know that wearing old or deteriorated contact lenses can lead to serious vision problems? This is because they may cause cornea scratches, in which case your eyes’ defense system will overwork trying to protect itself. You must also be careful not to change or remove contacts without proper training, as this could spread infections like pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Do Not Smoke and If You Do, Quit!
Did you know that smoking increases your risk for developing cataracts by as much as 50%? It's true. In addition, cigarette smoke contains many toxins which can contribute to inflammation of the eye tissues - one common example of this is conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Finally, smokers are at a higher risk for glaucoma due to nicotine constricting blood vessels in the eyes and decreasing circulation. If you currently smoke, don't wait any longer, contact your doctor today about ways we can help you kick the habit!
In addition to these smart habits, It's important to have annual eye examinations because many vision problems are treatable when caught early on. Visit your trusted Scottsdale optometrist regularly for annual comprehensive exams and checkups. Contact us today to make an appointment!