For many of us, tradition dictates that we begin the new year with health-related resolutions. We frequently make resolutions to get more exercise, eat a healthier diet, or quit smoking. And that’s fantastic, especially since the benefits of those resolutions have an unexpected side effect: they all benefit our eyes. But here are specific resolutions for healthy eyes!

Resolutions for Healthy Eyes

Follow these tips:

• Make an appointment for your annual eye exam. A yearly eye exam not only ensures that your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is correct for you (or that you need one), but it also allows your ophthalmologist to detect the early stages of eye diseases. Glaucoma, for example, is usually painless and can progress to critical stages before you notice. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a variety of conditions.
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses all year. The sun’s UV damage accumulates over time. It can cause cataracts at a young age and increase your risk of developing rare eye cancers. Sunglasses also protect your eyes by preventing irritation and dryness caused by wind or blinding snowfall.
• Consume more eye-healthy foods. What you eat has a direct impact on your vision, from Omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish like salmon and tuna to fresh fruits and dark green vegetables.
• Remove your contacts and give your eyes a rest. Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses, but they can be irritating to your eyes if you wear them for an extended period of time. Despite the fact that today’s lenses are thinner, safer, and more comfortable than ever before, prolonged wear may cause dry eyes and infection.
• Turn your gaze away from the computer screen. It’s difficult to remember to blink when you’re concentrating on a screen. As a result, your eyes may dry out and your eye muscles may become exhausted from focusing. This strains the eyes. The 20/20/20 rule is your best bet: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away from your screen for 20 seconds.
• Maintain a close eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Your heart health has a direct impact on the blood vessels in your eyes. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy. Take prescribed medications on time and take precautionary measures to keep these levels under control.
• Stop smoking. Did you know that smoking increases your chances of developing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts? It contributes to the formation of plaque in your bloodstream, weakening arteries and raising your risk of a heart attack. It can also cause retinal damage and vision loss.

In addition to practicing preventive care, it is critical to monitor any changes in your vision, especially as you age. Do not wait if you are experiencing night vision loss, blurriness, double vision, or eye pain. Make a commitment to see your ophthalmologist and make your resolutions for healthy eyes today!!

For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.

Source:healthcare.utah.edu