
You can do a lot to protect your eyes and prevent loss of vision. The first step is to get a regular eye check-up. For this check-up you should visit an ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination after dilation. A dilation check will allow your doctor to see inside the eye and check for any damage to any of the internal structures in the eye. A simple check to correct your eye prescription will not be able to detect problems like retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma or even cataract.
In addition to an annual eye check-up there are some simple things you can do to protect your eyes from harm.
Tips to prevent eye damage and vision loss
Eat what is right
Listen to what your mother and grandmother always say. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Love your dark green leaves. They are packed with vitamins that keep your eye healthy. Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also very good for your eyes.
Lose excess weight
Surprising but true, your weight can affect your eyes. Obesity and excess weight are the leading causes of diabetes and other chronic diseases, which can lead to vision loss. Manage your weight. Watch what you eat and stay active to lose the excess weight. You will not only feel better, but also protect every organ in your body including your eye.
Manage diabetes
Sugar is not sweet news for your eyes. High blood sugar can lead to many eye problems, some of them can cause permanent damage. The risk of glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinopathy increase when you have high blood sugar. Get regular diabetes check-up. Keep your blood sugar levels within limits. Prevent vision loss causing eye diseases.
Protect your eyes from injury
Not using appropriate protective eye wear is not a sign of bravery. Sports, industrial and household activities can injure your eyes. When you indulge in them, always wear protective eye wear such as safety glasses, goggles, safety shields, eye guards etc. Don’t improvise and wear one gear for all activities. Wear the protective gear that is designed for each activity for maximum protection. When you go out in bright sunlight, wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Clean your contacts and your hands
Good hygiene can protect vision. If you are using contact lens, then be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you put them on or take them off. Disinfect your contacts as per the instructions. These steps will keep your eyes clean and prevent infections. Know the dos and don’ts of using contacts and follow them correctly.
Rest your eyes
Your eyes can get tired too, especially with too much screen time. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object that is about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help relieve fatigue and eye strain.
Quit smoking
Smoking is injurious to your eyes. It increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, nerve damage and cataract. Quit smoking to preserve your eye health.
Know your risk
It pays to know your family history. Certain eye problems such as glaucoma are hereditary. If someone in your family has or had it, then your risk of getting it is high. Check with your family members to know if any of them had any eye problem. If they did, then you should take extra care to reduce the risk. A regular eye check-up is the best way to detect and treat eye diseases in their early stage.
Follow these simple steps to protect your eyes and preserve vision. Don’t forget, a regular eye check-up is very important. If you use glasses or contacts to correct your vision, stay updated with regular eye exams. Eye disease can be treated successfully if detected early.
If you have blurred or distorted vision, red and irritated eyes, if you see halos around lights, if you have persistent headache or eye pain, or any other eye problem don’t ignore them. Consult our ophthalmologist today. Get your eye examined by our eye specialist for early recovery. Improve and preserve your vision.