Don't
take your eyes for
granted. Take these easy steps to keep your peepers healthy.
1. Eat Well
Good
eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like
omega-3 fatty acids, lutein,
zinc, and vitamins C
and E might help ward off age-related vision problems
like macular
degeneration and cataracts.
To get them, fill your plate with:
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach,
kale, and collards
- Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
- Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat
protein sources
- Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
- Oysters and pork
A
well-balanced diet also
helps you stay at a healthy
weight. That lowers your odds of obesity and
related diseases like type
2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
2. Quit Smoking
It makes
you more likely to get cataracts,
damage to your optic nerve, and macular
degeneration. If you've tried to kick
the habit before only to start again, keep at it.
The more times you try to quit,
the more likely you are to succeed. Ask your doctor for help.
3. Wear
Sunglasses
The
right pair of shades will
help protect your eyes from
the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure boosts your chances
of cataracts and
macular degeneration.
Choose
a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help
protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare while you drive.
4. Use Safety
Eyewear
If
you use hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety
glasses or protective goggles.
Sports
like ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear
eye protection. Helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with
polycarbonate lenses will shield your eyes.
5. Look Away From
the Computer Screen
Staring
at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause:
- Eyestrain
- Blurry vision
- Trouble focusing at a distance
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
To
protect your eyes:
- Make sure your glasses or contacts
prescription is up to date and good for looking at a computer screen.
- If your eye strain won’t go away, talk to
your doctor about computer glasses.
- Move the screen so your eyes are level
with the top of the monitor. That lets you look slightly down at the
screen.
- Try to avoid glare from windows and
lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.
- Choose a comfortable, supportive chair.
Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.
- If your eyes are dry, blink more.
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