While we’ll admit that nothing gets us more excited than an opportunity to introduce a refractive error to an excimer laser, it’s our responsibility as eye care professionals to help prevent eye problems from happening in the first place.
Even though certain vision problems like cataracts and presbyopia are a natural part of the aging process, there are steps that can be taken to help promote and maintain healthy vision.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Having a healthy pair of eye balls all starts with living a healthy lifestyle. Eye problems are often symptoms of systemic disease, so it makes sense to keep your eyes healthy by keeping yourself healthy. Here are a few ways to do just that:
Diet and Exercise
Nutrients and dietary antioxidants, like lutein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E, can directly and indirectly promote eye health by providing your body with essential vitamins and nutrients. Aim for a diet full of fruits, green leafy vegetables, fish and, when necessary, vitamin supplements.Combining these foods and nutrients with exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight, which can help prevent and control diseases that affect the eyes, like diabetes.
Don’t Smoke
Quitting smoking, or simply not starting in the first place, can reduce the risk of developing degenerative eye diseases.Cover Your Eyes
The sun’s harmful UV rays wreak havoc on our eyes and skin. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and hats that shade the face help keep the sun from doing irreversible damage.
Maintaining Your Vision
Anyone who can simply open their eyes and see the world around them is probably guilty of taking the sense of sight for granted. In reality, the eyes and the visual system are amazingly complex. Keeping them in good working order requires proper attention and maintenance.
Schedule Routine Eye Exams
Scheduling routine eye appointments means you and your eye doctor will always be up to speed on your eye health. Factors like family history, age, health, past eye problems, and whether or not you wear glasses and contacts will determine how regularly you should be seen.Take Care of Your Contacts
Proper contact care is vital to having healthy eyes. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on how long you can wear your contacts and when they need to be replaced. Always clean and disinfect contacts according to the instructions for that specific type of lens.Guard Your Eyes
Wear protective eyewear, like goggles and safety glasses, when you performing any task, sport, or activity that could cause injury to your eyes.
These are just a few simple ways to help keep your eyes healthy and looking good. Consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye care plan .
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