The Five Fundamentals of Good Eye Health

Observe Eye Injury Prevention Month by revisiting the best ways to sustain your vision.

Taking care of your eyesight requires a conscious effort. Although the laundry list of practices that promote strong vision is quite long, nothing will encourage healthy eyes better than the basics. Since October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, here are five fundamentals of good eye health for you to revisit and—if you haven’t already—integrate into your lifestyle.

#1 – Eat Healthy Foods
Your eyes, like the rest of your body, need vitamins and nutrients to perform at their best. Eating a well-balanced diet strengthens your sight and reduces your risk of developing eye problems like macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. Such a diet should include fish rich in fatty acids (e.g. salmon, tuna, and sardines), a variety of vegetables (e.g. spinach, kale, and carrots), and multiple sources of protein (e.g. nuts, beans, and eggs).

#2 – Wear Sunglasses Year-round
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet emissions of the sun. Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses should be worn throughout the year, not just during the warmer months. In fact, those who retire their sunglasses for the winter often expose their eyes to greater concentrations of UV radiation. So keep those shades on for all 365 (or so) days of the year.

#3 – Use Protective Eyewear
Activities such as sports, yardwork, and construction can create extremely dangerous environments. Whether it be a batted baseball, freshly cut grass, or a flying wood chip, the airborne objects produced during these activities can easily result in injury to your eyes. Make sure to wear some form of protective eyewear, such as safety glasses or goggles, when taking part in these hazardous activities.

#4 – Limit Screen Usage
For the majority of us, exposure to digital screens is inevitable. Too much screen time can cause eyestrain, dry eyes, blurry vision, and other conditions. Try your best to keep your screen usage to a minimum. If you’re a student or someone who works closely with screens, then remember to give your eyes a break every 20 minutes by looking away at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

#5 – Attend Your Annual Eye Exam
Comprehensive eye exams are crucial for anyone who desires long-lasting vision. Visiting an eye doctor every year helps you protect your eyes and keep track of the natural changes in your sight. Additionally, an experienced optometrist can detect the early signs of eye disease and refer you for treatment, increasing your chances of overcoming the condition. If you’re overdue for an exam, then you should schedule one ASAP.

There are plenty of measures to take to keep your eyes as healthy as possible. If you’re someone who hasn’t been giving proper care to your eyesight, then these five fundamentals are a great place to start. As for your annual eye exam, our experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists at Sterling Vision are capable of fulfilling all of your eye care needs. To schedule an appointment with us, call 541-342-2201 or schedule online.