Ways to Preserve Your Eye Health

Having clear eyesight is a critical part of our everyday lives, and the best way to maintain eye health is to take care of your body as a whole. Below are some examples of everyday actions that can improve the health of your eyes.

• Exercise- According to the British Journal of Ophthalmology, exercising three times per week can lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration, the predominant cause of severe vision loss in people over 60 years old, by up to 70 percent. Exercise improves eye health by increasing blood circulation, removing toxins, increasing oxygen to eyes, and reducing inflammation.
• Quit Smoking- Smokers have an increased rate of age-related macular degeneration, because smoking causes blood vessels throughout the body to constrict, which is harmful to your optic nerves.
• Eat Healthy Foods- Eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, cheese, milk, liver, and egg yolks, helps to ward off eye infections by keeping your eyes moist. The antioxidant lutein, found in kale, spinach, and broccoli, helps keep your impressions of contrast and color sharp. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, olive oil, and nuts help lower risk of age-related macular degeneration in addition to keeping eyes moist.
• See an Eye Care Professional- Perhaps the most important thing you can do to maintain eye health is to schedule an appointment with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. Exams are recommended once per year if you are a glasses or contact lens wearer, and once every two years if you are not. During the exam, your eye doctor will be checking not only for common vision problems, but for signs of larger issues such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have a family history of any eye-related ailments.