Maintaining Your Eye Health

When it comes to maintaining your health, there are many critical aspects. From monitoring your mental health to brushing and flossing your teeth, staying healthy is a full-time job and plenty of us find it a challenge to keep up with. One of the forgotten aspects of health, especially for those who do not wear eyeglasses, is eye health. It is critical that you visit your eye doctor every one to two years, and there are other factors to consider in between your doctor's visits.
 
As you take care of your eyes, make sure you eat well. Good eye health starts with a healthy diet. Pack your diet with vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zinc to help prevent the development of degeneration and cataracts. To get these vitamins and nutrients, choose green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, eggs, beans, nuts, oranges and citrus fruits, and even oysters and pork. Keep a healthy weight with a healthy diet. If you smoke, make arrangements to quit because smoking increases your risk of cataracts. Smoking can damage your optic nerve and also increase your risk of macular degeneration.
 
Protect your eyes with the appropriate eyewear. When you are outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV exposure, as it can increase your chance of cataracts and macular degeneration. If you work with chemicals or machinery, make sure you use the appropriate eyewear or PPE as dictated in the work or OSHA regulations. If you play sports, make sure you protect your eyes. You may choose a wraparound pair of sunglasses or goggles to ensure they do not fall off as you stay active.
 
Because many of us use computers in our work and play, it is worthy to note that computers can harm our eyes over time. While these are not permanent effects, they can be painful. These symptoms include eye strain, blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, neck, back, and shoulder pain, and even trouble focusing at a distance. If you work at a computer, take a chance every 20 minutes to look away from an hour, and take proper breaks from the computer. Choose a computer chair that is comfortable and supportive. If your symptoms don't get any better, speak to your doctor.
Taking care of your eye health is a critical part of your overall health. Whether you suspect that you need an expert at Just Bifocals or suspect that your vision isn't what it used to be, always speak to a doctor if you experience any changes in your eyes.