Healthy Eyecare habits

We’ve all heard about the importance of regular eye exams with your Optometrist, and the importance of thorough testing in the diagnosis and prevention of vision problems, but have you ever wondered about everyday habits that you could be incorporating into your daily routine to help your vision health long term?

After all, we only have one pair of eyes, and they’ve got to last a lifetime. Remembering that our eyes are a reflection of our general health and wellbeing (or is it our soul?), the practices we use to keep our health in good stead are generally and conveniently very similar to those recommended to keep our eyes in tip top shape.

Here are our recommendations for some vision healthy habits:

1. Eat well. Unsurprisingly, diet really does affect every part of our well-being. Eating a balanced diet specifically rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs and wholegrain offers valuable nutrients and minerals such as lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C and D - all of which can help protect your eyes from oxidative stress and help slow down the development and progression of various ocular health issues. We are what we eat!

2. Protect your eyes. Wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses which block UVA and UVB radiation is always a great idea, even on cloudy days. Protective safety glasses or eyewear goggles should always be used during activities outdoors, or with chemicals or home repairs.

3. Don’t smoke. Smoking is a significant factor in increasing the risk of vision loss as we age. If you do smoke, even on occasion, think about making this the year that you quit.

4. Manage your general health conditions. Having good control over your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help reduce the chances of vascular damage in the eyes and serious retinal complications that can contribute to vision loss.

5. Know your family history. Get chatting to your immediate family about their eyes! Many ocular conditions can be genetic, and being aware of what, if any, conditions you may be more at risk for means knowing what signs to watch out for and when to get it checked. Having this knowledge also means knows how to mitigate risk factors.

In addition to getting your eyes regularly examined, these everyday lifestyle habits are a great way to ensure you're doing what you can to keep your eyes in optimum health. After all, clear vision begins with proper care - healthy eyes, happy life!