Caring For Your Eyes
It is important that you know your family’s eye health history; has anyone been diagnosed with a potentially hereditary disease or condition? This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition. Thereafter, incorporate care of your eye health into your regular daily routine and your annual health care check-up.
Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam
The painless test is one of the best things you can do to make sure that your eyes are healthy. The test looks for common vision problems and early stages of eye diseases that have no obvious early warning signs, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone gets a baseline eye examination at age 40 – follow up screening will depend upon the results of the baseline exam – and annual/biennial eye examinations from age 65.
Eat well
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for maintaining healthy eyes. Research has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions; this can lead to vision problems such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.