4 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Eyesight

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

The sun not only causes skin damage, but its ultraviolet (UV) rays can also harm your eyes and even cause permanent injuries. Although UV light is invisible to the naked eye, it more easily penetrates eye tissues than visible light, and excessive exposure to UV light increases your risk of eye conditions such as cataracts, cancers, and growths.  

The safest way to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses and a hat. Sunglasses are available in many sizes, including kids' sizes. Only buy sunglasses that are clearly marked as providing 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB or marked as having a UV400 rating. Sunlight is important to your overall health, just don’t forget your hat and sunglasses! 

While you may believe that cloudy days mean you can ditch sunglasses and sunscreen, clouds do not block UV light, even if you see the sun is hidden. Another common misconception is that tanning beds are a healthier alternative to sitting outside, but that is false. When using a tanning bed, you encounter the same risks to your skin and eyes as being outdoors.  

Limit Screen Time

It may seem impossible nowadays to limit the time spent in front of screens as we’re moving into a more digital age. The 20-20-20 rule is an effective method to relax the eye muscles and give your eyes a break if you are staring at a TV, phone, or computer screen for too long. For every 20 minutes you look at a screen, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

Eat an Eye-Healthy Diet

Studies have shown that a well-balanced diet with fruits and veggies, seeds and nuts, leafy greens, and fish reduces the risk of certain eye diseases. These foods are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect and strengthen different parts of the eye. 

Source: www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition

Get Regular Vision Exams

Visiting your vision provider for regular eye exams can help ensure you maintain healthy vision. Children should receive an eye exam once from 6-12 months of age, at least once from ages 3-5, before the start of first grade, and then annually after that to ensure their eyes are developing properly. Adults should aim to get an eye exam once every two years from ages 18-39, once every two years from 40-64, and at least once every year for those 65 and older. The reason that eye exams increase as you get older is that your eyes age along with you, and the risk for some eye conditions and diseases increases with age. Talk to your provider to ensure you’re receiving eye exams as often as you need to. 

Source: www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-examsComprehensive eye exams | AOA