By Laura Bollinger, RDN
We use them all day long and most of us never even think about it. From moving through the halls of our homes, to driving, eating, or checking our notifications, our vision makes navigating these situations easier. The majority of us likely take our eyes and our ability to see for granted. Like many things we take for granted, we don't realize how much we use it until it is damaged.
It is estimated the 90% of eye injuries could be prevented. Like many aspects of health, there are numerous things we can do to protect our vision and keep our eyes healthy. Consider taking some or all of the steps below to reduce your risk of eye damage:
1. Avoid or quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk for several types of eye diseases. According to the 2014 Surgeon General’s Report, smoking causes cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy in those with diabetes, and dry eye syndrome.
2. Eating healthy foods. You’ve probably heard that you should eat carrots for your eyes. Believe it or not there is some truth to this! Carrots are rich in vitamin A which is important for vision, so including carrots in an overall healthy diet can support healthy eyes.
3. Stay physically active. Regular exercise reduces the risk of eye diseases by decreasing the risk of problems that could lead to eye disease such as diabetes or hypertension.
4. Maintain healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing glaucoma. If you have diabetes, maintaining normal blood pressure is a very important part of preventing diabetic retinopathy.
5. Protect your eyes from the sun. We often hear about protecting our skin in the sun with protective clothing or sunscreen, but it is also important to protect your eyes. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause sunburns on the skin and can cause damage to our vision. Protect your eyes by wearing glasses or hats that block UV rays. In addition to coming directly from the sun, UV rays can be reflected off of bright surfaces such as water or snow.
6. Wear protective eyewear. At home or work, during sports, or even playing with toys, protecting our eyes should be a consideration. Common causes of injury at home include cleaning chemicals and detergents. These products may splash into the eye or could come into contact with our eyes from our hands.
With August being National Eye Exam Month, it is a good time to remember to schedule an annual exam. Even if your vision seems normal, it’s important for kids and adults alike to see an eye doctor regularly. Young children may be nervous to see an eye doctor, but it doesn’t need to be a scary event. Try to ensure your child has a positive experience with these tips:
Eye Exams Through the Stages of Life:
If you’re a Medi-Share member, there’s never been a better time to schedule vision exams using your Medi-Share Select Savings Card! Visit the Careington website for more information about vision, dental, and more discounts.