8 ways to protect your eyesight
Protecting youreyesightis one of the most important things you can do to help maintain your quality of life.
The leading causes of blindness andlow visionare age-related diseases such asmacular degeneration,cataract,diabetic retinopathyandglaucoma.
Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid vision loss from these age-related eye diseases and other problems:
1. Find out if you are at higher risk for eye diseases.
家人的健康历史的注意。你啊r any of your family suffer from diabetes or have a history of high blood pressure? Are you over age 60? Any of these traits increase your risk for sight-threatening eye diseases.
2. Have regular physical exams to check for diabetes and high blood pressure.
If left untreated, these diseases can cause eye problems. In particular, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to vision loss from diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration andeye strokes.
3. Look for warning signs of changes in your vision.
If you start noticing changes in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately. Some trouble signs to look for aredouble vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions.
Other signs and symptoms of potentially serious eye problems that warrant immediate attention includered eyes, frequent flashes of light,floaters, andeye pain和肿胀。
4. Exercise frequently.
Studies suggest that regular exercise — such as brisk walking — can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70 percent.
5. Protect your eyes from harmful UV light.
When outdoors during daytime, always wear爱游戏ayx买球that shield your eyes from 100 percent of the sun's harmfulultraviolet rays. This may help reduce your risk of cataracts,pingueculaand other eye problems.
6. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Research has shown thatantioxidantscan possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. These antioxidants are best obtained from eating a diet containing plentiful amounts of fruits and colorful or dark green vegetables. Studies also have shown that eating fish rich inomega-3 fatty acidsmay reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration.
Also, consider supplementing your diet witheye vitaminsto make sure you are getting adequate amounts of the nutrients you need to keep your eyes healthy.
7. Have an annual eye exam.
Acomprehensive eye exam, including dilating yourpupils, can determine your risk for major eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which has no early warning signs or symptoms.
An eye exam also can ensure that your prescription foreyeglassesor爱游戏体育is up to date and that you are seeing as clearly and safely as possible.
Click here to find an eye doctor near you and schedule an exam.
8. Don't smoke.
The many dangers ofsmokinghave been well documented. When it comes to eye health, people who smoke are at greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts,uveitisand other eye problems.
Bonus tip: Safety glasses
Be sure to wearsafety glasseswhen working with tools (especially grinders and other power tools) or participating in active sports. Most work- and sports-relatedeye injuriesthat can cause permanent vision loss can be prevented with safety eyewear.
See an eye doctor
Following the steps above is won't guarantee that you'll have perfect vision throughout your lifetime. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking certain precautions, and having regular eye exams will decrease your risk of avoiding preventable vision loss.Click here to find an eye doctor near you.
Page updated June 2019
