Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Northwest Eye Health
Maintaining healthy eyesight is crucial for optimal quality of life. However, given the fast-paced lifestyle and environmental factors, it can be challenging to keep up with eye health. Here are the top five tips for maintaining Northwest eye health.
1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are integral for maintaining good eye health. The American Optometric Association recommends adults get an eye exam every two years, and seniors and individuals with existing eye conditions get an eye exam every year. During an eye exam, the eye doctor can detect early signs of serious eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. Regular eye exams can also help diagnose other underlying health conditions like diabetes and hypertension as they have a direct impact on eye health.
2. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
Northwest states like Oregon and Washington have comparatively clear skies, which expose the eyes to high levels of UV radiation. Long-term exposure to UV radiation leads to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye disorders. Therefore, it’s crucial to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection while outdoors, even on cloudy days.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a vital role in eye health. Consuming vitamin C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc helps maintain good eye health. Foods such as salmon, tuna, citrus, nuts, and leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in essential nutrients that benefit eye health. A healthy diet is directly related to preventing eye diseases.
4. Take Breaks from Digital Screens
In this digital age, people spend a considerable amount of time in front of digital screens like smartphones, tablets, and computers. This continuous use of digital screens leads to digital eye strain and vision problems like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To minimize the effects of digital screens, take frequent breaks, blink often, and adjust the brightness and contrast settings.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking affects almost every system in the body, including the eyes. Research has proven that smoking increases the risk of various eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and uveitis. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
In conclusion, following these tips can help reduce the risk of eye diseases, maintain good eye health, and promote optimal overall health and well-being. By adopting healthy habits, you can protect and preserve your vision for a lifetime.
