It's easy to take our eyes for granted. But we shouldn't! Here are five ways you can continue to keep them healthy.
Our eyes are amazing organs. The amount of processing they do and the sheer size of signals they send to our brain are things we shouldn't overlook. But like with anything in life, we often take the things we rely on to help us easily navigate this world for granted, Until those things are taken away, of course.
If you want to keep your eyes healthy for as long as you can, be sure to follow the five tips we've outlined below.
Affordable Eye Exams in Calgary for All Ages
Specs in the City Optometry provides children, adult, and senior eye exams in SE Calgary to help safeguard your sight and overall ocular health. Our experienced optometrists use the latest technology to quickly and accurately diagnose any eye conditions you may be suffering from, so treatment may commence right away. Contact us today to book your comprehensive eye exam so we can help you see clearly for years to come!
1. Use Sunglasses When Outside
Sunglasses are great at protecting our eyes from the damaging effects of the sun, so long as you have the right pair on. Look for sunglasses that block up to 99 per cent or 100 per cent of UVA or UVB rays for the best protection. And if you don't mind the style of wraparound lenses, they help protect your eyes even more by safeguarding them from the side.
Getting too much UV exposure can increase your risk of cataracts or macular degeneration, so make sure you never leave your house without your shades.
2. Eat Healthy Foods
Having healthy eyes begins with eating healthy foods. You'll want to make sure you're getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and other important eye nutrients such as zinc, lutein, and vitamins C and E. These nutrients are great for your eyes because they can possibly fend off age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Some foods these nutrients can be found in include:
- Leafy green veggies like collards, spinach, and kale
- Tuna, salmon, or other fishes that are oily
- Non-meat protein sources like beans, nuts, and eggs
- Oranges or other citrus fruits and juices
- Pork and oysters
Having a healthy diet will also help you avoid obesity and the diseases related to it such as type 2 diabetes. This is very important, as type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
3. Use Protective Eyewear When Necessary
Anytime you're doing work that involves dangerous or airborne materials, you should be wearing safety goggles or protective eyewear. Sports are also dangerous for your eyes. Whenever you're playing one with a high risk of eye injuries such as hockey, make sure you use a face mask or protective shield to lower your chances of suffering one.
How to Spot Cataracts Early So You Can Safeguard Your Sight
4. Take a Break from the Computer Screen
Computer Vision Syndrome, or digital eye strain as it's commonly known, can cause a whole host of eye and health problems, including:
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
- Problems with distance focusing
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you talk to your optometrist to make sure your prescription is accurate and your lenses are suitable for prolonged periods of computer use. You should also practice the 20-20-20 rule when using your computer or digital devices for any extended amount of time. Simply look away from the screen at something that is at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
And don't forget to blink! We tend to blink less when staring at a screen, which can cause our eyes to dry out quicker.
5. Don't Forget to See Your Optometrist Regularly
This is possibly the most important tip since your optometrist can alert you to eye issues you may not even know you're having. Eye diseases such as glaucoma can develop without any symptoms in their early stages, and it isn't until severe damage to the optic nerve has occurred that most people usually notice any changes to their vision.
By having a comprehensive eye exam done every year, you can stay on top of your eye health, and your optometrist can quickly identify any problems you are having with your vision or eyes. This quick identification is crucial to effectively treating and managing many eye conditions, which can help stave off vision loss or permanent blindness.
They're Your Eyes, Make Sure You Care About Them
In the end, the only person who has control over your eyes is you. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can certainly help you with them and treat any ocular issues you're having, but if you don't take the time to visit these eye care professionals on a regular basis then they may be limited in just how much they can help. Early detection is critical.
In the meantime, make sure you follow the above tips so you can keep your eyes healthy between visits to your optometrist. And should you require an eye exam or advanced eye care in SE Calgary, be sure to contact us today.
Contact Us Today
If you would like more information about our affordable eye exams and advanced eye care in SE Calgary, contact Specs in the City today. Simply give us a call at 403-252-2020 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us. We have also instituted extensive COVID-19 safety protocols and precautions at our clinic, so we can keep our customers and staff safe during these still uncertain times.
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