As we age, our bodies go through normal changes, including our eyes. After a certain age, we might need reading glasses or eye drops for dry eyes. This is why our friendly optometrists at Eyear Optical in Chattanooga, Athens, and Cleveland want you to take proactive steps in keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Take a look at the following helpful tips.
Schedule a Regular Eye Exam
First and foremost, visiting your optometrist is instrumental at any age, but especially as we age. Not only will these eye doctor visits keep your glasses prescriptions up to date, but they will also check for eye issues like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Regular exams are important for early detection and proper treatment.
Maintain a Nutritional Diet
A healthy balanced daily diet helps keep your eyes healthy. Eating nutritious, vitamin-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, colorful vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and seeds will protect your eyes. Drinking plenty of water is also very important for eye health. Refrain from smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol as they dehydrate the body, cause diseases, and speed up the aging process. Taking daily supplements, especially those created for eye health, may help.
Protect Eyes From Harmful UV Rays
Wear sunglasses and a wide-brim hat when you head outdoors, especially when the sun is shining bright. This will protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays (UVA, UVB) that cause cataracts and macular degeneration, among other eye issues.
Decrease Digital Screen Time
Most of us use digital technology for both work and play. Mobile devices, personal computers, and even television screens expose our eyes to harmful blue light rays that are shown to cause eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Drink More Water and Blink Your Eyes
Staying hydrated is one of the most important health rules, including your eyes. Dehydration can cause dry eyes, which is common as we age. Also, make it a point to blink your eyes more often to increase tear production.
Manage Other Health Conditions
Other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can contribute to your eye health. You may think they have nothing to do with your eye health, but they do. Monitor blood sugar regularly, take proper medication, and eat a healthy diet. In addition to your eye doctor, see your physician regularly.
Make an Appointment with Eyear Optical Today
Our team at Eyear Optical can keep your eyes looking and feeling their best. Contact us for a vision exam today.
