When was the last time you thought about your eyes? Keeping them healthy should be a priority. To start taking better care of them, follow these easy tips:
KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. If your family members have dealt with cataracts, glaucoma and other eye issues, it’s important to find out and bring the topic up with your doctor.
UNDERGO A COMPREHENSIVE DILATED EYE EXAM. Many major eye problems have no symptoms at first. The only way to identify them is through pupil dilation. During this process, your doctor widens your pupils for a better look at the back of your eyes.
LIMIT YOUR SCREEN TIME. Spending too much time looking at your cellphone, tablet or computer screen can lead to eyestrain. Medical experts recommend the “20-20- 20 Rule”: Take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes to give your eyes some rest.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. According to John Boozan, MD, FACS, division head of ophthalmology, Department of Surgery at Overlook Medical Center, “Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma, which can affect your eyesight down the road. Eating a proper diet and exercising regularly are crucial.”
For more information, visit the National Eye Institute >