Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Eye Care, Eye Health on July 30, 2017
It’s easy to forget how small, but potentially dangerous habits can alter your eye health. In some cases, you may not see the full consequences for decades. Here are easy changes you can make to your daily routine to ensure you’re taking care of your eyes.
- Eating well: If you want your body to operate at its best, including your eyes, give it the fuel and nutrients it needs. Specifically, foods with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc can guard against cataracts and macular degeneration. The next time you’re at the grocery store, spend some extra time in the produce section where you’ll find spinach, collards, kale, and citrus fruits. Pork, oysters, salmon, and other oily fish are also great options.
- Wear sunglasses: UV exposure can increase the probability of macular degeneration and cataracts. When selecting the right pair, be sure to look for ones that shield your eyes from 99%-100% of UVB and UVA rays. Other sunglass options include polarized lenses, which decrease glare when driving. Wraparound styles will guard your eyes against all angles. Although some contact lenses provide a small amount of UV protection, you still need to wear sunglasses.
- Take a break from the computer screen: Today, countless careers require us to stare at a computer screen for most of the day. This can contribute to dry eyes, headaches, neck pain, blurry vision, and eyestrain. If you’re not about to change careers, here are some more practical ways to protect your eyes. First, make sure you are wearing the right prescription for your contacts and glasses. It also helps to adjust the screen, so you are eye level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down toward the screen. Initiate the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes look 20 feet a way for 20 seconds. It also helps to get up every few hours and take a walk around the office or outside.
If you have questions about how to protect your eyesight, schedule an eye appointment at Aker Kasten Eye Center today. Let us help you address your questions and concerns. Don’t hesitate to call our office at (561) 338-7722.