Eye Care Tips for Healthy Vision Month

July is healthy vision month, and at Qualicare’s home health care and senior care franchises, we’re reviewing best practices for maintaining healthy eyes. Attention to vision is very important for overall health, and an eye exam is an easy and cost-effective way to evaluate not only eye health but to detect nearly 30 chronic health conditions. People who have problems with vision are more likely than people with good vision to have diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, strokes, and an increased risk of injury and falling. Eyesight often gets worse in older adults, but young children can have vision problems as well. It’s important to screen the vision for all children, starting at age 3. Eye doctors can help determine if you need glasses, or if a disease is seen within the eye.

But there are also plenty of things that all people can do to maintain a healthy vision. Below are tips for keeping those eyes healthy!

Nutrients for healthy vision

Healthy vision starts from the inside out. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and lettuce, and protein like eggs, beans, nuts, salmon, and other fish, as well as citrus fruits and other fresh fruits, will both help individuals maintain a healthy weight, and provide the body with many of the nutrients needed for optimal eyesight.

The leading cause of blindness is type 2 diabetes. Many people who have type 2 diabetes are also overweight or obese, which is why it’s so important to eat the right nutrients for eyesight, and overall health. Fortunately, 90% of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable. So, knowing your blood sugar levels, as well as managing blood pressure and cholesterol are important in avoiding loss of eyesight.

Harvard Medical School published an interesting article discussing the importance of certain nutrients which help prevent eye problems. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two nutrients that help protect the eyes and are usually found in fruits and vegetables, as well as egg yolks. Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for the eyes and are found in flaxseed, walnuts, and coldwater fish. Another great nutrient for eyesight is zinc, which is found in shellfish and red meat. It’s unclear exactly how much of the nutrients individuals need for optimal eyesight, but a heart-healthy diet is a good guide to follow.

Wear protective eyewear

Ultraviolet (UV) rays come from the sun, and too much exposure increases the chances you’ll develop cataracts and macular degeneration. These conditions make it more difficult for individuals to see and can lead to blindness. Therefore, be sure to choose a pair of sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Some contact lenses also offer UV protection as well.

In addition, it’s important to wear protective goggles when playing sports like ice hockey, lacrosse, and racquetball, as they can lead to injuring the eyes. Doing yard work like mowing the lawn or cutting thick bushes sometimes requires protective goggles as well. When cycling or riding a motorcycle, be sure to wear protective goggles or glasses so as to shield incoming bugs, and debris.

Computer use for a healthy vision

Many people who work on a computer develop eye strain due to long hours on the screen. Blurry vision can occur, as well as dry eyes, headaches, and pain in the back, and neck. It’s important to understand the causes of eye strain caused by devices so as to properly protect vision, especially for those who work on the computer for many hours each day.

Bluelight glasses to block light from a computer, tablet or phone have become extremely popular, and many big brands of glasses now sell them. The idea is to block out or filter blue light given out by devices. This blue light can cause individuals to have trouble sleeping and relaxing. However, the Cleveland Clinic writes in the article “Do Blue Light Glasses Work?” that many of the issues caused by screens aren’t necessarily blue light related. Rather, doctors call eye discomfort caused by computers “computer vision syndrome” or “digital eye strain,” and research on blue light causing eye strain is not conclusive.

There are many ways to help protect vision from computers. One way is to be sure your glasses or contact prescription is up to date. Having the wrong prescription will cause terrible strain on the eyes. One great way to strain your eyes less is to be sure the monitor of your computer is level with your eyes, and you’re not looking too far down, or up. It’s a good idea to rest your eyes every 20 minutes, by looking outside or around the room for 30 seconds. And be sure to stand up at least every two hours, to give your eyes and body a break.

Family history

Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, color blindness, and cataracts, are hereditary. In fact, more than 350 eye diseases are linked to hereditary factors. It’s important to know your family’s eye health history and to let your eye doctor know as well. The risk factor of an individual developing an eye condition or disease can be determined with accurate family history. In fact, glaucoma, which is a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss and blindness, is thought to be more than four to nine times more common to develop if a family member has the disease. Like all eye diseases, it’s best to detect glaucoma early to best treat the condition before it advances.

Makeup safety tips

It’s unpleasant to think about, but bacteria grow in liquid makeup. Be sure to replace products every few months to avoid developing an infection due to outdated makeup. It’s also important to only use your own cosmetics. Don’t share mascara, eyeliner, or other eye makeup with friends or family. It’s important to maintain great hygiene as well, and make sure to wash your face before applying makeup, especially around your precious eyes!