Just like every other part of your body, your eyes need regular care. Certain lifestyle choices or genetic factors can adversely affect the health of your eyes. In order to have healthy eyes, keep these tips in mind.

1.     Eat Right

Your diet affects your whole body—even your eyes. In order to keep your eyes healthy and reduce the chance of certain vision problems, make sure you’re getting the right nutrition. A few foods you should include in your diet are:

– Oily fish such as salmon, tuna, or other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

– Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale

– Non-meat protein sources like eggs, nuts, and beans

– Citrus fruits and juices

The nutrients in these foods help reduce vision problems such as macular degeneration (AMD) — the deterioration of the central part of the retina—and cataracts. In the United States, macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among people age 50 and older. Worldwide, cataracts are the leading cause of treatable vision loss.

2.     Wear Sunglasses and Other Protective Eye Gear

Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays help protect your eyes from developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision conditions. If you play sports with a high potential for eye injury, always wear safety goggles, helmets, shields, etc. If you work in an area with hazardous materials then be sure to protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles.

3.     Don’t Smoke

Smoking causes numerous ills to your entire body. As for your eyes, smoking increases your chances of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration, among other conditions.

4.     Don’t Stare at the Computer Screen

Computer screens can cause eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. If you find yourself staring at a computer for long periods of time, take a break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. After a couple hours, give your eyes a longer break of at least 15 minutes.

5.     Schedule Regular Eye Checkups

Your eye doctor can help you identify and reduce the onset of some eye conditions. During your eye exam, make sure your doctor dilates your eyes so he or she can look into the back of your eye for signs of damage or disease.

Talk to your doctor about more ways you can protect your eyes, and schedule an appointment with Eyesight Associates for a dilated eye exam today.