Healthy Eye Habits
As spring and summer arrive, we are able to venture outdoor more with the inviting sun. Normally, the sunlight and the UV index are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To maintain healthy vision during this season, MD EyeCare would like you to follow these 3 simple steps.
- UV Protection – Common accessories for the season include sunglasses and hats. We recommend proper UV protective sunglasses. There are two characteristics of good sunglasses: (1) they have UV protection, and (2) they seal off the top and sides of your eyes, providing maximum protection from all sides. If you spend a lot of time in water, snow, or sand, you’re exposed to a lot of reflected sunlight. We recommend polarized lenses for these activities.
- Healthy Diet – Helpful vitamins for our eyes include Vitamins A, C, E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Fresh sources of vitamins include carrots (vitamin A), citrus fruits (vitamin C), and kale (vitamin E). Lutein is found in dark greens such as kale. Lutein is helpful in slowing down Age related Macular Degeneration. To aid dry eye syndrome, we suggest Omega-3 such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. To decrease cataracts and age related macular degeneration we recommend a healthy diet along with nutrient supplements.
- Regular Doctor Visits – An annual visit to your Ophthalmologist can help protect your eyes from sight-threatening disorders; many ailments are preventable and can be corrected if identified early on. We recommend annual medical eye examinations because often, eye doctors are the first health care providers to recognize signs of health problems by examining the structure of the eye during a medical eye exam. Ophthalmologists can evaluate the condition of tiny blood vessels in the eye, which provides clues as to how blood vessels throughout the body are being affected by conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels. Early detection of these health problems during an eye exam can lead to timely intervention and improvement in one’s quality of life.