Growing up, most children are led to believe that eating carrots will give them good vision and healthy eyes. But what really ensures your eyes will last for as long as you do? Good eye health and eye care are crucial to preserving your vision and protecting your overall health. In fact, your eyes can reveal common or serious health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and HIV.
In addition to getting regular eye exams, there are several actions you can take to protect your eyes, starting with the food on your plate. Studies have shown that some nutrients may help ward off age-related vision problems, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E, all found in the following foods:
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Salmon, tuna or other oily fish
- Eggs, nuts, beans and other non-meat protein sources
- Citrus fruits and juices
Eating a well-balanced diet also provides the added benefit of maintaining a healthy weight, which lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, and the disease also can increase the risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
Wearing sunglasses when you are outside during the day is also important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to UV rays increases your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. Select sunglasses that are labeled for blocking 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
It is also important to protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or protective goggles if you are exposed to hazardous or airborne materials at home or work. This type of eyewear can protect your eyes from injury, vision loss, and blindness. When playing sports that carry a risk of eye injury, it is also important to wear eye protection. These sports can include, but are not limited to, ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse.
Regular eye exams are a vital component to both eye health and overall health. Even young children should receive regular eye exams. Schedule an appointment today to ensure you are seeing clearly into the future!
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