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Wear sunglasses
They make you look cool and, more importantly, protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light that may speed up the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses also reduce glare and bright light that may impede your vision and cause accidents. |
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Do not smoke
Smoking may lead to cataracts and increase your risk for developing macular degeneration. People who smoke are also prone to an optic nerve condition that can produce profound vision loss. What’s more, smoking further irritates dry eyes. |
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Limit your alcohol
Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body, and may cause dry eyes. Drinking large quantities of alcohol may also cause nutritional problems and lead to toxic amblyopia, an optic nerve disease. |
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Control your blood sugar
Eating high- fat and high-sugar foods can put you at risk for diabetes and the eye diseases associated with it. Blood sugar fluctuations can also make the natural lens inside the eye swell, resulting in large prescription changes. You may be nearsighted one day, then farsighted the next. When this happens, you may already have developed diabetes. |
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Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
High blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, a condition that left untreated can result in blindness. In addition, high blood pressure has been found to increase your risk for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. High blood pressure in addition to high cholesterol places you at risk for developing a stroke that can lead to profound vision loss. |
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Eat antioxidant-rich foods
Foods rich in antioxidants along with zinc can delay the progression of advanced macular degeneration and cataract formation. Other nutrients, such as Vitamin A, play a vital role in good retinal health and aid in both color and night vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin, both carotenoid nutrients, have also shown positive side effects in macular degeneration patients. Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to help prevent recurrent styes and improve dry eye symptoms. |
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Have Regular Eye Examinations
Having a regular eye examination promotes eye health. It is easy to do, cost-effective and helps detect eye problems before your vision is affected. Many eye diseases, if detected early enough, can be treated successfully without significant vision loss. Regular eye exams also allow your doctor to measure your vision so that changes can be made to your prescription, ensuring your best possible vision. |
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