Keeping Eyes Healthy

Your eyes are an important part of your overall health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and to make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these 10 tips to help protect your vision:

1. Get an annual eye exam. Getting a regular eye exam is the only way to catch sight-threatening eye diseases in their initial stages. Many eye diseases have no warning signs and can be prevented if detected early.
2. Boost your vitamin A. Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight and can be found in high amounts in a variety of fresh Florida fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, carrots, collard greens, grapefruit, mangoes, papayas, pumpkins, romaine lettuce, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and watermelon.
3. Eat more seafood. According to the National Eye Institute, research has shown that there are eye health benefits from eating salmon, tuna and halibut and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions that may lead to vision loss.
5. Manage chronic conditions. Many conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can negatively affect vision. Managing these conditions with the help of your health care provider can often prevent eye problems from occurring.
6. Use protective eyewear. Did you know the sun’s rays can harm your eyes? It is important to wear sunglasses when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Purchase sunglasses that offer protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.
7. Know your family history. Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease, since many are hereditary.
8. Give your eyes a rest. If you have eye strain from working at a computer for too long, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look up from your work every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
9. Quit smoking or never start. The National Eye Institute states that research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
10. Keep contact lenses clean. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate. 

Eye Health Calendar

January

• Glaucoma Awareness Month (Prevent Blindness)

February

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)/Low Vision Awareness Month (Prevent Blindness)

March

• Save your Vision Month (American Optometric Association)

April

• Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
• Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month (Prevent Blindness)

May

• Healthy Vision Month (National Eye Institute)

June

• Cataract Awareness Month (Prevent Blindness)

August

• Children's Eye Health and Safety Month (Prevent Blindness)

October

• Eye Injury Prevention Month (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
• Home Eye Safety Month (Prevent Blindness)

November

• Diabetic Eye Disease Month (Prevent Blindness) 

For More Resources on Eye Health, Please Visit:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Optometric Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Prevent Blindness
• The National Eye Institute