Eye Health Checklist for the New Year
Is your New Year’s resolution to keep your eyes healthy? Follow our eye health checklist to maintain or improve your vision in 2016!
Winter
1. Eat Healthy: While its easy to gorge on cookies and candy during the holidays, remember to eat lots of leafy greens and colorful fruits containing omega-3 fatty acids. These foods are good for your body and for your eyes!
2. Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, the start of a new year is a great time quit. Though smoking is bad for your overall health, you are four times more likely to go blind in old age if you smoke.
3. Vision Insurance: If you have vision insurance, the end of the year is a great time to take advantage of your deductible, schedule eye exams, or get new glasses or contact lenses.
Spring
1. Allergies: If you suffer from itchy or watery eyes as a result of allergies, try to pay extra attention to the triggers, so you can better manage your reactions. You can also speak with your doctor about possible remedies that can relieve you of allergies for the upcoming year.
2. Upgrade your Eyewear: If you are planning on participating in spring sports, upgrade to protective eyewear. Not only does it protect your eyes, but it also offers light control, color enhancement and more. Speak with your doctor to discuss which solution is best for you.
3. Safety Goggles: Spring is a popular time for household cleaning, home-improvement projects and gardening. All of these can prove to be dangerous to your eyes if they are not properly protected with safety goggles or some sort of protective eyewear.
Summer
- 1. Sun Protection: While it’s important to wear sunglasses all year long, it is particularly important in the summer, when the sun’s harmful UV rays are at their strongest. Wearing sunglasses can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
2. Polarized Lenses: Planning on spending some time on the water? Polarized lenses control glare and block reflected light, so make sure to wear them when fishing, boating or even golfing to get a clearer view.
3. Swim Goggles: If you are planning on going swimming or just taking a dip in the pool, wear goggles. They provide protection against waterborne bacteria and provide a clearer view underwater.
Fall
1. Rest Your Eyes: If you are spending a good amount of time on the computer, make sure to take time to rest your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule by taking a break every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help rest your eyes and reduce your risk of computer vision syndrome.
2. Stay Active: Don’t let the change in temperatures keep you from exercising regularly! Exercise can help protect against debilitating eye diseases, such as diabetes and macular degeneration.
3. Drink Water: The fall season brings colder temperatures that encourage hot beverages, like coffee and hot coco, but don’t forget to drink water. Water is essential for your eyes to create moisture.
CorrectVision Laser Institute is one of Florida’s most advanced vision correction practices with extensive experience in eye health. Our goal is to open your eyes to the world of great vision by offering unparalleled expertise and the most advanced technology available. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our South Florida eye specialists, located in Hollywood, Weston and Pembroke Pines!