Your eyes are the windows to your overall health. You must keep them healthy so as to preserve your vision. These eye health tips will help you in for maintaining healthy eyes into your old age.
Regular Eye Check up
You must get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This is required once every alternate year for everyone younger than sixty years of age. After sixty, however, this must be done annually. Your doctor will put drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils so that she can see your retina better. This allows her to better examine the back of the eyes, including the optic nerve and retina.
Maintain your blood sugar levels
Diabetes can lead to loss of vision. This vision loss, however, may be prevented. Your doctor will help you set and reach goals relating to your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. These are called the ABCs of diabetes.
- A1c: The target HbA1c is usually less than seven, ideally as close to six as possible. That said, your doctor may decide different goals for you.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure can also cause damage to the retina, and consequently, your vision. The goal is usually less than 140/90 mmHg, but your doctor may customise the target for you.
- Cholesterol: Your doctor will check your lipid profile, and advise you about recommended LDL and HDL levels.
Know your family eye health related history
Please tell your doctor if there is any history of eye disease or blindness in your family. This is important because many eye diseases are hereditary. This information will help your doctor to decide if you are at a higher risk for developing diseases such as glaucoma or AMD.
Watch your diet
Remember the adage, eat right to protect your sight. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has several health benefits, and is also good for the eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids are also important for eye health.
Maintain optimum weight
Being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. All of these diseases can impact your eyes and vision adversely.
Wear protective eyewear
Remember to use protective eyewear when playing sports and during hazardous activities. These include sunglasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards. Most protective glasses are made of polycarbonate, and designed to protect your eyes from potential injuries.
Stop smoking
Smoking is deleterious to your health. It can cause age related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, and optic nerve damage.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, they also protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When choosing sunglasses, opt for those that block both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
20-20-20 Rule
Your eyes also need rest. Decrease your screen time. Blink more often. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, close your eyes for 20 seconds, and look away about 20 feet away.
Hand hygiene
Keep your hands clean to prevent eye infections. This is especially important in contact lens users. Use contact lenses as advised.
Stay safe
Wear protective eyewear whenever prescribed. Keep harmful and corrosive chemicals away from reach of children. In case of any injury, contact your doctor immediately.
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