Tips for Eye Health
Did you know that you could have a vision problem and not be aware of it? The best way to take care of your vision is to have preventative vision checks. Make sure you visit your eye care provider regularly to prevent any condition from getting worse, and to help treat issues you may already have.
January is National Eye Care Month. Below are some additional tips that can help promote eye health:
Maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Diabetes can increase your risk of some eye diseases including, in severe cases, vision loss and blindness. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure that you check your blood sugar level regularly, take medications as prescribed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent complications. Speak with your medical provider to learn ways to minimize eye issues.
Monitor your blood pressure.
Having a controlled blood pressure is important for reducing your risk of developing vision problems. Speak with your medical provider regarding your risk factors and if you are having symptoms of high blood pressure, which can include blurred vision, headache, dizziness, etc. Some of the ways you can manage your blood pressure include maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight, keeping active, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Eat right.
Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Kale, spinach, and collard greens, for example, are rich in both vitamins C and E. There are also plant-based forms of vitamin A that help lower your risk of long-term eye diseases such as cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects a person's central vision.
Rest your eyes.
Try to limit television, computer, or phone screen time and take a break every 20 minutes. Spending too much time staring at a screen can cause eye strain.
Clean your hands before touching your eyes.
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with your hands—use a clean tissue instead.
Wear sunglasses.
Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing UV-A and UV-B radiation-protected lenses. The rays from the sun can be very harmful to unprotected eyes.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by Myrlhene Descollines, MPA, RN, BSN, Vice President of Clinical Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov
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Updated December 12, 2024