5 Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body, yet they are also one of the most neglected. Most people take their eyes for granted until they start experiencing problems. However, just like any other part of your body, your eyes need proper care to ensure that they function optimally. If you want to maintain your eye health and vision, you need to take proactive steps to protect them. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for maintaining healthy eyes and visiting an eye doctor.

1. Understand the importance of regular eye exams

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eyes, especially as you age. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will assess your vision, check for eye diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses if necessary. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect early signs of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Early detection of these conditions can increase the chances of successful treatment and prevent vision loss.

2. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

Just like your skin, your eyes are susceptible to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to UV rays can increase your risk of certain eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that block out 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, wear a hat with a wide brim to provide extra protection.

3. Practice good eye hygiene

Practicing good eye hygiene can help prevent eye infections and irritations. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, especially when inserting or removing contact lenses. Avoid rubbing your eyes or using dirty towels to wipe them. If you have allergies or dry eyes, use eye drops or artificial tears to lubricate and soothe your eyes.

4. Follow a healthy diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can benefit your eye health. Include foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon. A healthy diet can reduce your risk of eye diseases and improve your overall health.

5. Take breaks from digital screens

In today’s digital world, it’s not uncommon for people to spend hours staring at screens, whether it’s a computer, phone, or tablet. Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help relax your eyes and reduce eye strain.

Your eyes are precious, and taking care of them should be a top priority in your overall health routine. By following these tips and visiting an eye doctor regularly, you can maintain healthy eyes and prevent vision loss. Don't wait until you start experiencing problems before taking action. Start taking care of your eyes today, and invest in your future vision.

MYOPIA CONTROL

What is Myopia?

Myopia, aka nearsightedness, is a condition that causes people to have clear vision at near but blurry vision when looking farther away. Nearsightedness may develop slowly or rapidly, often worsening during childhood and adolescence. Myopia may not always be apparent right away and it is important to know what signs to look for in your child.

• Headaches

• Sitting too close to the TV or computer

• Excessive blinking

• Fatigue

• Complaining they can’t see in class

• Squinting

A comprehensive eye exam can help determine the severity of nearsightedness or other refractive errors.

What are the risk factors?

There are a few risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing nearsightedness, such as:

• Genetics: Nearsightedness tends to run in families. If one of your parents is nearsighted, your risk of developing the condition is increased. The risk is even higher if both parents are nearsighted.

• Environmental conditions: Some studies support the idea that a lack of time spent outdoors may increase the chances of developing myopia.

• Near work: A high amount of near work like reading or being on the computer can contribute to increased myopia. 

What are the complications of Myopia?

A high nearsighted prescription puts you at an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy — damage in the central retinal area.

What can we do to help?

Addressing your child’s nearsightedness now may reduce the chance that they will develop sight-threatening complications later in life. Our Myopia Control Clinic provides the latest treatments that can slow down or halt the progression of myopia in children. In addition to providing glasses for clear vision, our services include options for controlling the progression of myopia.

Our optometrists are highly trained and qualified to provide cutting edge solutions to slow the progression of myopia in children.

Schedule an exam today to learn more about what we can do by providing the latest advancements in myopia management.

Fun in the Bright Summer Sun

We are so excited that summer is just around the corner! Who doesn't love sunbathing at the beach, a spectacular vacation to Europe, going for a nice run outside, or just barbecuing in your backyard? While summer is one of the most fun times of the year for both adults and children of all ages, it is important not to forget about sun protection! Just as the UV rays can be harmful to your skin causing sunburns, wrinkles, premature aging and skin cancer, it can be equally as harmful to your eyes! We now have evidence showing that sun exposure can cause early cataracts, wrinkles around the eyes, macular degeneration and much more! Follow these simple rules, whether it’s sunny or cloudy, to ensure you protect yourself and your children!

1.     Get a good pair of sunglasses with your prescription (if you have one). This way you can protect your eyes and still have crystal clear vision. Contact lenses do have some UV protection, but it is not enough. Contact lenses alone do not protect the white part of the eyes or the thin skin around the eyes. Make sure your sunglasses have at least 99% UVA and UVB protection and that they fit well on your face.

2.     Bring a hat with a wide brim to cover your face, ears, and neck.

3.     Use a sunscreen of at least 15 or higher that has a sun protective factor. Put it on 30 minutes before you go outside and make sure it’s not expired. Re-apply frequently.

If you plan ahead, take these precautions, and start at an early age you will protect yourself and your children and significantly reduce the damaging effect of UV rays. I cannot wait to hear all the exciting plans everyone has for summer!