Protecting Your Eyesight

Your eyes are valuable and worth protecting! Failure to follow proper eye protection practices can result in injury, infection, eye disease and even loss of sight.

To protect your eyesight and keep your eyes healthy as you age, consider these simple guidelines:

Protect your Eyes from Harmful UV Light. When outdoors during the daytime, always wear sunglasses that shield your eyes from 100% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This may help reduce your risk of cataracts, pinguecula and other eye problems.

Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet. Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. These antioxidants are obtained from eating a diet containing generous amounts of fruits and colorful or dark green vegetables. Studies also have shown that eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration.

Maintain Proper Eye Care. A comprehensive eye exam, including pupil dilation, can determine your risk for major eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which has no early warning signs or symptoms. An eye exam also can ensure that your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is up to date.

Say No to Smoking. The many dangers of smoking have been well documented. When it comes to eye health, people who smoke are at greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, uveitis and other eye problems.

Use Protective Eyewear. It is important to always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with tools or participating in active sports to help prevent eye injuries that could potentially cause permanent vision loss.

It’s true that following these steps is no guarantee of perfect vision throughout your lifetime, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having regular eye exams will certainly decrease your risk of developing a sight-stealing eye problem that otherwise might have been prevented.

Contact Eyecare MPLS in Minneapolis at 612-470-9871 or eyecarempls.com to learn more about protecting your eyesight and improving your quality of life.