The way we interact with the world depends a lot on what we see and how we see it. Still, many people take their vision for granted until they notice a change or decline.
According to the American Optometric Association, millions of Americans are living with serious vision issues, ranging from impairment to blindness. These challenges can increase a person’s risk for social isolation, depression, falls, accidents and even disability.
Fortunately, some vision issues can be prevented. Now is a good time to educate people on the steps they can take to protect their sight, so they can continue seeing a future of possibilities. Here are seven steps to get started.
- Quit smoking. Cigarettes can damage parts of the eye that help you see clearly, including the retina, lens and macula, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Smoking can also increase your risk for two eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. If you smoke, talk to your health care provider about how to quit, or visit smokefree.gov.
- Wear sunglasses. Your skin isn’t the only organ that needs protection from UV rays. Your eyes do, too! Year-round, you should be wearing sunglasses that advertise 100% UV protection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends choosing large lenses or wraparound frames for the greatest coverage.
- Keep safety glasses at home. If you’re participating in an activity that could injure your eyes, take precautions. That could mean playing paintball or sports, conducting science experiments, doing yardwork or other endeavors. The AAO states that every household should have at least one pair of safety glasses that meet the American National Standards Institute standards, which you can find here.
- Take care of your overall health. Health and vision go hand-in-hand, according to the National Eye Institute. Eat a healthy diet filled with nutrients that may support eye health, such as fruits, veggies, lots of leafy greens and fish, including salmon, tuna and halibut. Also, exercise regularly and strive for a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for diabetes, which can damage your eyes over time. If you do have diabetes or other chronic conditions, talk to your primary care provider about your risks, including your vision, and devise a plan to manage your health.
- Give your eyes a break. It seems we all spend a lot of time looking at screens these days. The National Eye Institute recommends giving respite to your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Learn your family’s eye health history. Eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts can be hereditary, according to the AAO. Find out what health conditions have affected your family so you can talk to your provider and be proactive about your sight.
- Make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. Some eye diseases may not cause symptoms early on. That’s why it’s important to find an eye doctor you trust and see them regularly. They can conduct tests and dilate your eyes to check for potential vision problems early, when they may be easier to manage or treat. Talk to them about how frequently you should have your eyes examined so you have a plan moving forward.
