Four Ways Anyone At Any Age Can Take Better Care Of Their Eyes

You only have one set of eyes. As you age, there are a number of maladies that can effect them, from cataracts to macular degeneration. Though many of these ailments can be treated or managed, you are, of course, best off preventing them from occurring in the first place. No matter how old or young you might be, there are some habits you can adopt today to take better care of your eyes and hopefully prevent these and other issues.

Say "NO" to tobacco.

There are perhaps a thousand reasons not to smoke, and eye health is certainly one of them. The toxins in tobacco smoke really increase your risk of macular degeneration, not to mention various cancers including some that affect the eyes. If you are not a smoker, then keep it that way. Even the occasional hookah session or cigar can add up! If you are a smoker, start taking quitting seriously, starting this very moment. Enroll in a support program, take prescription drugs to help you quit -- do whatever it takes because your vision (and your life) depend on it.

Get a good pair of sunglasses.

Here's the bad news: neither the super-stylish sunglasses from your favorite mall store nor the cheap pair from the local dollar store are doing your eyes much good. The harmful component of sunlight is the UV rays, which not all sunglasses block. For the best protection, purchase sunglasses that are specifically created to block UV rays. You can find them at your local eye doctor's office or at specialty eye glass stores. Wear them regularly to protect your eyes from damage that could lead to cataracts and more.

Eat a vitamin-rich diet.

You've probably heard that vitamin A is good for your eyes, but in reality, there is whole array of vitamins and minerals that impact eye health. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies, and consider taking a multivitamin just to make sure your nutrient needs are being met. Your eyes will thank you as you age.

Take breaks from the screen.

Staring at a computer screen day in and day out is the reality of many people's jobs. If you have to spend a lot of time in front of the screen, at least remind yourself to look away for a minute or two a couple of times per hour. Too much uninterrupted screen time can cause dry eyes, which leads to an increased risk of infection.

For more information, contact companies like Dixie Ophthalmic Specialists at Zion Eye Institute.


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