6 Simple Steps to Maintain Healthy Vision
Filed under: Optometry
Taking care of your eyes doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. In fact, some of the most powerful ways that you can protect your vision are the simple habits that you implement in your life. Since vision loss increases with age, protecting your eyesight should be high on the priority list. Here are a few simple strategies that can be used to help with your eye care:
- Evaluate Family Risk: If your family has a history of certain diseases, then it increases the likelihood that you will face those medical problems as well. Learn about your family history of eye diseases, as well as other medical conditions that could affect the eyes (such as diabetes or high blood pressure). Being aware of these risks will make it easier to implement preventive strategies for the specific condition.
- Fruits and Veggies: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will support your eye health. Not only should you eat carrots, but look for ways to include a rainbow of ingredients in your meals. These foods are rich in antioxidants that have been shown to protect visual health.
- Avoid Cigarettes: Smoking can impact your risk of various eye diseases, and being around second-hand smoke can also take a toll on your eyes. Stay away from cigarette smoke as much as possible.
- Protection from the Sun: When you are spending time outdoors, make sure to wear a pair of sunglasses that block UV rays. Your sunnies can be stylish and provide eye protection at the same time.
- Manage Screen Time: Spending hours each day looking at a computer or cell phone screen can take a toll on the eyes over time. Look for ways to reduce screen time, and consider using digital settings and protective glasses that help to minimize blue light exposure.
- Pay Attention to Vision Changes: If you notice that something changes in the way you are able to see things, then it is essential to visit an optometrist as soon as possible. Be aware of your visual abilities and watch for symptoms such as eye swelling, pain, blurred vision, red eyes, halos, or flashes of light. These symptoms could indicate a potential problem.
Our team is here to support your visual health. For more information about healthy habits to protect your vision, contact Dr. Gio Venitelli and Dr. Katie Dugan of Temecula and Murrieta Creek Optometry. Call our local offices to schedule an appointment: Murrieta at (951) 600-9226 or Temecula at (951) 302-1331.