Don’t Neglect Your Eyesight: Mind Your Vision Starting Now
It’s a simple fact that our eyesight deteriorates as we get older. But taking care of your eyes now can help you maintain your eyesight for years to come. Here are nine of the best ways to save your eyesight and to protect your vision, so you maintain healthy eyes until your Golden Years.
1. Responsible Screen Use
Just a few decades ago, the only screen most people would encounter would come with a few hours a week in front of the T.V. Now, with laptops, video game systems, computer monitors, and phones, screens are everywhere we look, all the time. Too much time looking at screens can lead to eyestrain and worse. Keep your eyes at least an arm’s length from your computer screen, and take breaks whenever possible.
2. Be Healthy
Overall health equals eye health. Eat a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, exercise, and avoid smoking. Not only will you feel better, but your eyesight could stay strong for longer, too.
3. Wear Sunglasses
Always have sunglasses on hand when outside to protect your eyes from harsh sunlight, especially UV rays, which can severely damage your unprotected eyes.
4. Wear Protective Eye Gear
Over two million eye injuries occur each year. For maximum eye safety, wear goggles when performing any activity that could cause something to come into contact with your eyes, including sports, science projects, and home improvements.
5. Blink Often
Blinking is extremely important for keeping the eye lubricated and debris-free. Sometimes, especially when staring at screens, we forget to blink as often as we should, usually about 15 to 20 times a minute. When staring at a screen, make sure you take a “blinking break” every 20 minutes, looking away to blink naturally for about 20 seconds or so.
6. Know Your Family History
If you have a family history of eye disease, then you may be at greater risk as you age. Know the history of eye disease in your family so you can alert your eye doctor to any specific problems that he or she should be looking for.
7. Take Care of Your Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, follow your doctor’s instructions for their care to the letter. This includes cleaning them properly, cleaning your hands properly when taking them out or putting them in, not wearing contacts overnight if they are not designed for overnight wear, and not using expired contact lens solution.
8. Act Quickly to Take Care of Your Eyes
If you notice any problems with your eyesight, such as blurred vision, double vision, dark spots, or a loss of peripheral vision, don’t wait. Make an appointment and consult your eye doctor right away. Remember, the sooner an eye disease is detected, the better chance you have of saving your eyesight.
9. Have Regular, Dilated Eye Exams
Many diseases of the eyes begin without any obvious symptoms. You can also often slow down eyesight degeneration if you catch problems early. For complete, regular dilated eye exams in the Portland, OR, area, contact Beaumont Vision today.