5 Eye Health Tips to Start the Year Off Right

A healthy lifestyle for healthy eyes

Eating a healthy and varied diet can reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts. A diet rich in vitamin C and antioxidants is to be preferred. Vegetables containing vitamin A and beta-carotene (such as carrots, spinach, sweet potato and broccoli) are also particularly good for the eyes.

In addition to eating well, you should add exercise to your routine to reduce your risk of diabetes and hypertension. If you did not know, these two diseases are sometimes linked to eye problems. In addition, being more active will improve your overall health.

Quit smoking

It is obvious, but unfortunately we must repeat again. Tobacco addiction is bad for many aspects of your health. Smoking is also a risk factor for cataracts, AMD and diabetic retinopathy. If you're still looking for a New Year's resolution, here's a good one: quit smoking!

Wear sunglasses

The eye is a fragile organ that requires special attention. Prolonged exposure to the sun, specifically UV rays, can cause serious damage to the retina. To keep it healthy, wear sunglasses outside, even in winter!

In addition to protecting the retina, sunglasses help slow the progression of cataracts and provide protection from sunburn to the cornea. Remember, not all glasses are good. Follow the advice of your optometrist to choose glasses that are adequate to block UV rays and blue light.

Rest your eyes and do not rub them

To avoid eyestrain and dry eyes, it is best to reduce your screen time. Every 20 minutes, it is recommended to fix a point 20 feet away for 20 seconds (a tip to remember: the 20-20-20 rule). By doing this, you will lessen the negative effects of the screen on the eye.

Also, remember to blink! Often the eyes are drier in front of the screen since we naturally blink less in front of them. If dry eye problems are affecting your daily life, consider eye drops or LipiFlow® treatment.

Another important thing: do not rub your eyes! This bad habit is damaging on several levels. It can cause infections and even cause or worsen certain more serious illnesses. If you have itchy eyes, go for an eyelid cleanse or use adequate pads to relieve it. If the problems persist, consult your healthcare professional.

See your optometrist regularly

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Regular consultation in optometry or ophthalmology will help diagnose abnormalities in your eyes. Depending on the case and the history of the patient, we recommend a visit to your eye professional at least once a year.