Maintaining Good Eye Health

As we age, the risks of developing various eye diseases and conditions increase —but the good news is that there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk.

Learning how to take care of your eyes can make all the difference. Here are some tips.

Lifestyle Changes

Eye Hygiene

When it comes to hygiene and self-care routines, you probably think about showering, skincare, and brushing your teeth. Have you given much thought to how you practice proper eye hygiene?

Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Remove your eye makeup daily.
• Avoid touching your eyes.
• Use your contacts properly.

Diet & Exercise

There are some foods that can help improve eye health and support your overall well being. If you’re looking to improve your diet, add foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins C and E. Some great choices are:

• Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach or kale.)
• Citrus fruits (such as oranges or grapefruits.)
• Oily fish (such as salmon or tuna.)
• Non-meat protein sources (such as eggs, beans, and nuts.)

To support your health, you should also exercise regularly — whether that means going for a brisk walk, doing yoga or pilates, or swimming some laps in the pool.

Eye Strain & Damage

Digital Eye Strain

Also known as “computer vision syndrome,” digital eye strain refers to the various vision problems that can form from using your computer, phone, and other digital screens for long periods of time.

The blue light that these screens give off penetrates deeper into your eyes, causing strain. Here are some tips to prevent damage to your eyes — especially as many of us switch to working from home:

• Wear blue light glasses (available at Key-Whitman Optical Centers).
• Swap contacts for glasses.
• Take breaks throughout the day.
• Add lights if your room is dimly-lit.

UV Sun Damage

Do you love lounging in the sun? Be aware of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Remember to always wear UVA and UVB blocking sunglasses when outdoors, or goggles if you’ll be out in the water. You can additionally wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid using tanning beds or sunlamps.

Eye Health and Medical Conditions

It’s important to have your annual eye check-up to uncover common eye problems early. This is especially important with conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which could cause permanent damage to your vision. Undetected, cataracts also can limit your lifestyle. The good news is there are now high-tech lens implant options to give you better vision than you’ve had in years.

If you are on prescribed medications, make sure that you are taking the proper dosages. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes also positively impacts your eye health. Be sure to inform both your eye doctor and primary care doctor about your medical conditions because these can affect how certain medications work within your body. In some cases, dosages may need to be adjusted.

Managing Stress

You’ve probably heard that stress is bad for your health, but what many people don’t realize is that stress can cause vision loss, too. Stress-related vision loss is often temporary , but can be more serious if there are underlying eye and health conditions.

Know the Warning Signs of Eye Problems

Don’t ignore eye issues. In addition to making lifestyle changes, it’s important to be able to recognize common eye issues. While many patients think it’s okay to ignore eye issues, this won’t make them go away and can potentially damage your eyes more.

Some eye problems may not give you any warning signs or symptoms, but there are plenty that do. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or other abnormalities with your eyes, contact your ophthalmologist for an appointment.

• Sudden or severe eye pain
• Sudden vision changes or loss
• Heavy eye discharge
• Burning and itching of the eye
• Blurred, hazy, or double vision
• Seeing flashes of light
• Changes in the color of the iris
• White areas in the pupil

Get Regular Eye Exams as Recommended

Eye exams are crucial when it comes to keeping on top of your eye health to catch any problems before they become worse. Typically, you should have an eye exam at least once a year, but you should speak to your eye doctor in case you have a condition that requires more frequent appointments.

Dallas Eye Care Services

At Key-Whitman Eye Center, your vision, eye health, and quality of life are our top priorities. That is why everything we do is focused on you. As a recognized leader in eye care for over half a century, we are committed to helping our patients achieve the best results possible.

Learn more about our practice and our commitment to our patients. Contact us today for a consultation!