20/20 VISION

EYE HEALTH

20/20 Vision

THE BASICS OF EYE HEALTH

BY JESSICA ZIMMER

As we age, our eyesight tends to wane, but there are steps we can take to continue seeing sharp for as long as possible. To maintain good eye health, it’s important to not strain the eyes, take breaks from screen time, and wear sunglasses in sunny conditions. It is also helpful to eat foods high in vitamin A (like carrots) and get enough sleep.

To avoid straining your eyes, it helps to wear the appropriate glasses or contact lenses for tasks like reading, according to the Mayo Clinic. You should also not work in front of a screen for over two hours at a time or drive long distances for prolonged periods. Reducing eye strain can involve taking frequent breaks, using artificial tears, and lowering the brightness of screens or lights. A person can tell their eyes are strained if they experience frequent headaches or their eyes are tired, dry, or sore.

The eyes contain many blood vessels so foods that help with blood flow benefit the eyes. Healthy choices include green, leafy vegetables like kale and Swiss chard, as well as garlic, berries, nuts, and citrus fruits.

Quitting smoking also has benefits for the eyes. Smoking increases a person’s risk of developing age-related eye diseases, including macular degeneration. Alcohol use is less problematic, but excessive alcohol use dehydrates the body and can lead to dry eyes and double vision.

A person should visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist, eye doctors who diagnose and treat eye problems, if they experience blurred or double vision, acute (short and intense) or chronic (long-lasting) eye pain, or frequent headaches. They should also see an eye doctor if they develop a sudden sensitivity to light or have consistently itchy eyes.

Usually, a few lifestyle changes can improve their eye health for years to come, but genetics play a role. If you have a family history of eye issues like macular degeneration, tell your eye doctor when you make an appointment.

Imagine seeing life more clearly!