May is Healthy Vision Month and a perfect time to consider the health of your eyes.
Your vision is directly tied to your overall health and safety. Clear vision allows you to navigate your surroundings and carry on comfortably throughout the day. Stay protected by maintaining healthy vision with these helpful tips:
Guard Your Eyes from Damage
Both the outside and inside structures of your eyes are complex and sensitive. Shield them with protective eyewear whenever you can.
Sunglasses
Sunlight takes a heavy toll on your eyes, especially if they’ve had too much exposure. Sunlight damage can lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Excessively watery eyes
- Cataract development
- Macular degeneration
Wearing sunglasses will help shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and keep your eyes safe from damage. Look for lenses that block UVA and UVB rays and try to find polarized lenses for glare protection.
Safety Glasses and Protective Eyewear
Certain jobs or hobbies can create risky environments for your eyes. Perhaps you’re working with dangerous chemicals in a lab, or you’re surrounded by splintery dust in your woodworking shop. There are endless ways to put your eyes in harm’s way.
No matter the environment, remain cautious by shielding your eyes from injury with safety glasses or other protective forms of eyewear.
Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
There are several nutrients that benefit your eyes, including:
- Vitamin A, C, & E
- Zinc
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Incorporate them into your regular diet through superfoods like:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Halibut
- Trout
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Berries & citrus fruits
Keep Your Eyes Checked Regularly
The only way to really know if your eyes are healthy is to schedule comprehensive eye exams. Your doctor will let you know the state of your eye health and will fill you in on any significant changes they find.
Comprehensive eye exams typically include tests that check:
- Visual acuity (how well each eye is seeing)
- Refraction errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)
- Eye movement and focus (how well your eyes work together and if they work in unison)
- Eye health (how well the structure and components of your eyes are functioning)
Did you know your doctor can detect other health complications through a comprehensive eye exam? It’s possible to see signs of larger issues including:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Brain tumors
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis