According to the American Optometric Association, most people start to notice a decline in their visual health between the ages of 40 and 60. Several factors can lead a person to experience visual changes, but many are in their control.
Here are our top 8 tips for keeping your eyes and vision healthy for the long haul.
Wear High Quality Sunglasses
Exposure to sunlight is a significant risk factor for developing several eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration and photokeratitis.
No matter the season, always protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays whenever you spend time outdoors. Choose a pair of high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA/B rays for optimal protection.
Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
Try to incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins A, C and E to support healthy eyes. Other eye-healthy nutrients include lutein, zeaxanthin, riboflavin, beta carotene, zinc, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
A leading cause of blindness among adults is diabetes-related complications. By keeping your blood sugar levels in check, you can greatly reduce your risk of diabetes-related vision loss.
Put Hygiene at the Forefront
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face or eye area. Also, ask your optometrist about an eye hygiene routine that will suit your lifestyle.
Quit Smoking
People who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome. If you don’t smoke, don’t start; if you smoke, speak with your primary care physician about ways to stop.
Keep to the 20-20-20- Rule
If you use any digital device throughout the day, be sure to shift your focus away from the screen every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds at a time. Doing so will help prevent the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany digital eye strain. People who look at digital screens tend to blink less, which can result in dry eye syndrome. Make a concerted effort to blink more often.
Stay Hydrated
Your eyes need a healthy balance of tears to stay healthy. Hydrating your body allows your eyes to produce enough tears to lubricate and protect the eye’s surface from discomfort and irritation.
Have Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are the only way to ensure that your eye doctor will detect the earliest signs of eye disease, before significant vision loss has occurred. Most serious eye diseases don’t present noticeable symptoms in their early stages, when treatment options are most effective.
To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Corktown Eyecare in Toronto today!
At Corktown Eyecare, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 647-694-7600 or book an appointment online to see one of our Toronto eye doctors.
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Q&A
How should I prepare for a routine eye exam?
Your optometrist will ask you for relevant medical family history and any personal history of eye problems, so having that information ready will help you receive the best care possible. Additionally, bring your current contact lenses or glasses along with you, if applicable. If you’ll be having your eyes dilated during your exam, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after your appointment.
What are some questions to ask the optometrist during the eye exam?
To make the most of your visit, you may want to prepare a list of questions to ask your optometrist. Some examples include how often to have an eye exam, what your personal risk factors for eye disease are, how often to bring other family members in for eye exams, if your current glasses or sunglasses offer the most protection from blue/ultraviolet light and what lifestyle choices can support or damage your eye health. We’ll happily answer all of your questions at your next visit.