Steps to Maintain Healthy Vision for a Lifetime

Most vision problems are preventable with simple healthy habits. Why not make this spring the time to embrace healthy eye habits.

1. Know your family history: It plays a big role in your vision.

Ask family members about their eye conditions. This can help you and your ophthalmologist watch for conditions before they appear. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss.

2. Watch children's eyes carefully as they grow.

Balance screen time with time outdoors. Too much screen time can cause dry eye and eyestrain. Nearsightedness can develop in children who spend long hours engaged in near-work.

3. Eat well and exercise.

Many studies have shown that exercise and a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can protect against blinding eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.

4. Stop smoking.

Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

5. Keep other health conditions under control.

Chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, if left untreated, can affect your vision. Follow your doctor's guidance carefully and attend all regular medical appointments.

6. Wear sunglasses outdoors.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can damage the cornea and the lens and eventually lead to cataracts and eye cancers.

7. Minimize eyestrain at work.

If you work in an office, sit at least an arm’s length away from the computer. Wear protective goggles if you work in construction or with chemicals or enjoy home improvement projects.

8. Sports eye injuries can happen at any age.

The best way to prevent sport-related eye injuries is by wearing the relevant eye gear, glasses or a helmet with a safety visor, based on the sport you play.

9. Care for your contact lenses.

Make sure you are washing your hands, storing contacts properly, and using cleaning solution for disinfection.

10. Don't share makeup — doing so can spread infection.

11. Traveling? Pack sunglasses, prescription glasses and other eye care necessities.

12. Expect eye changes during pregnancy.

You may experience some normal eye changes including blurry vision or dry eye. If these symptoms persist after you’re a new mom, talk to your doctor.

13. If you’re 65 or older, pay close attention to vision changes.

Blurry vision sometimes signals a more serious eye condition such as macular degeneration. Pay close attention to worsening symptoms and get regular eye screenings by an ophthalmologist.

14. Don't assume that vision loss is an inevitable part of getting older! It's not.

Many eye problems begin without any symptoms. Regular eye exams can help you catch problems before it’s too late.

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