Your Eyes Need Love, Too: 5 Eye Care Tips for Lasting Health

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and your eyes are looking for some love. Practicing these smart eye care tips can preserve your vision for many years by slowing or even preventing degeneration as you age.

1. Shield and Protect

You encounter many situations throughout the day that may be harmful for your eyes. Simply stepping outside without sunglasses when it’s bright can cause damage that may lead to vision problems in the future. Keep a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses on hand and wear them on sunny days, regardless of the season. If you work with chemicals, machinery that throws particles, or tools that spark or flame, be sure to use protective eyewear at all times.

2. Eat More Veggies (and Fruits!)

Carrots are often touted as being great for eye health, but all fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant phytonutrients that help to protect your entire body from damage at a cellular level. Carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and other phytochemicals are present in abundance in foods, such as dark leafy greens, winter squashes, colored bell peppers and berries. Leafy greens and orange foods in particular are good sources of lutein, a compound in the retina that must be obtained from diet. In conjunction with zeaxanthin, which is also found in abundance in leafy greens, lutein fights free radical damage to prevent degenerative conditions, such as cataracts.

3. Enjoy More Flax, Chia and Hemp

Omega-3 fatty acids promote blood flow, reduce clotting, and help keep cholesterol levels in check. This offers a multitude of benefits for your cardiovascular system and protects the delicate blood vessels in your eyes that are susceptible to damage from high blood pressure and other markers associated with heart disease. Flax, chia and hemp seeds are all excellent sources of omega-3.

4. Take a Break

Spending too much time staring at your computer screen or playing with your mobile device can cause uncomfortable eye strain. Take regular breaks during long stretches of screen time, setting an alarm if necessary to prompt yourself to step away. While you’re working, remember to blink regularly to prevent dryness and irritation. Position any reference materials at the same distance as the computer or device screen so that your eyes aren’t forced to refocus constantly. For optimal working conditions, position your monitor at least 20 inches away and 15 degrees lower than your natural line of vision.

5. Develop an Eye Care Routine

Adding eye care to your morning and evening routines is a simple way to ensure lasting health. Be gentle when applying and removing makeup, and avoid getting soap in your eyes while washing your face. Always remove contacts before going to bed, following all necessary steps to keep them clean. Annual visits to your eye doctor will alert you to any problems that might require further care.

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!