It’s easy to take good vision for granted, but the fact is, vision problems are surprisingly common — and many problems become more common with age. The good news is that a lot of vision problems can be avoided with a few simple lifestyle habits focused on supporting clear vision and optimal eye health.
At Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts, our team is committed to helping our patients play proactive roles in their eye helth, with comprehensive eye exams and tips tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Here, learn some simple steps you can take to protect your eyes and your vision now and for years to come.
Many of us spend hours every day staring at computer screens or phones or doing other focused work. Our eyes can get tired, dry, and irritated without regular breaks.
Make an effort to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away. This simple activity rests your eye muscles and reduces your risk of eye strain. Taking breaks to close your eyes or blink repeatedly also improves natural lubrication.
Speaking of lubrication, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is another way to support good vision. Staying hydrated provides an ample tear supply to keep your eyes moist and wash away debris. It also helps maintain the gel-like material in the center of your eye (the vitreous humor) for better eye health overall.
It’s much easier to see when we have the right lighting. Light that’s too dim can cause eye strain, while very bright lights result in glare and irritation. Ideally, use soft, ambient lighting for general activities. Consider using a desk lamp for close-up work or to focus on a keyboard. Adjusting your screen brightness can also help avoid eye discomfort.
We all know the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause our skin to burn, but many of us don’t realize that those same rays can also damage our eyes, especially the light-sensitive retina. Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays helps protect your eyes — just be sure to wear them every day, even when it’s cloudy outside.
Dry eyes aren’t just uncomfortable; lack of lubrication can make your eyes prone to corneal damage and infections. If you have dry eyes, artificial tears can provide quick relief while helpremoved of surface irritants. Our team can recommend the best over-the-counter or prescription products based on your needs.
Smoking is associated with increased risks of serious eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Plus, smoke itself contains irritants that can make eyes sore and red. Quitting smoking protects your eyes and the rest of your body, too. To find tips and support to help you kick the habit, visit Smokefree.gov.
Eye protection is essential if you engage in sports or other hobbies where your eyes could be subjected to physical impacts, chemicals, smoke, or other contaminants. Choose the right eyewear based on your activity so you can significantly reduce your risk of potentially permanent eye damage.
Eye makeup can attract and harbor germs that cause eye infections. To reduce your risk of infection, replace old makeup every three months or so, and never share makeup or applicators with anyone else. If you have an eye infection, stop using makeup until that infection is cleared up.
Like your other organs, your eyes require a balanced diet rich in key nutrients to stay healthy and ward off disease and vision problems. To reduce the risk of eye diseases, including those that become more common with age, make sure to include plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid unhealthy fats and sugary foods and drinks.
Eye exams give our team a chance to evaluate your vision and your eye health, looking for subtle signs of diseases and other vision issues that benefit from early treatment. Annual eye exams are one of the best ways to maintain good eye health and clear vision, especially as you get older.
A new year is a great time to make healthy changes that protect your vision now and in the future, and that includes scheduling your annual eye exam. To book yours, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Long Island Ophthalmic Concepts in Bellmore and Great Neck, New York, today.
