Why Annual Eye Exams Matter More Than You Think — Even If Your Vision Seems Fine
How long has it been since your last eye exam? If you can’t remember, then don’t delay making an appointment. Eye exams can save your vision.
6 Eye-Friendly Habits You Can Start Today
Do you tend to take your eyes for granted until something goes wrong? You may get debris in your eye from a construction site, or you're in front of a computer without frequent breaks. Eyestrain can become a problem.
Our board-certified ophthalmologist and optometrist with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, are here to help you protect your vision by providing comprehensive eye exams. Learn more about these six eye-friendly habits to help your eyes stay healthy.
Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
Vitamins C, D, and E are essential to your eye health. Did you know that more than 1 in 3 American adults are deficient in Vitamin D? Lack of Vitamin D is associated with macular degeneration, abnormal tear function, and diabetic retinopathy.
To help ensure you have healthy eyes, include leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli, oily fish such as salmon or tuna, whole fruits, and a variety of nuts. Leafy greens help protect against damage to your retina. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are key to retinal health. The Mediterranean diet, rich in plants and fish, is associated with lower rates of macular degeneration.
Wear shades that block UV rays
Do you tend to grab a pair of drugstore sunglasses without checking that they offer full UV protection? Make it a habit to ensure that your sunglasses block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. The sun can burn your eyes just as it can your skin.
UV-A rays can damage your eye’s structure and your retina. Exposure to both UV-A and UV-B rays can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule when you use a computer
Do you stare at a computer screen much of the day? Follow the 20-20-20 rule to take care of your eyes. Look away from your computer every 20 minutes at an object at least 20 feet away. Keep looking at objects 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This habit helps protect you from eye strain, developing headaches, dry eyes, red eyes, and sensitivity to light. Your eyes would thank you if they could talk.
Use goggles in an unsafe environment
Are you a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to home repairs? You may play a sport like lacrosse or hockey. Whether you play a contact sport, work as a tradesperson, work in a warehouse, or are a weekend DIYer, always use the appropriate safety equipment to protect your eyes. It only takes one time for a wooden stick to land in your eye when you’re simply mowing the lawn, causing vision loss. Don’t take chances with your sight.
Stop smoking
Smoking is just as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. It reduces nutrient-rich blood flow to your eyes, accelerates diabetic eye damage, doubles the risk of cataracts, triples the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and can lead to blindness.
Make regular appointments for eye exams as your eye doctor recommends
Guidelines for eye exams vary by age, risk level, and health condition. Make and keep appointments for your comprehensive eye exams at the intervals your eye doctor recommends to ensure your eye health. Some eye diseases that can cause vision loss don’t have early warning signs.
Contact Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or request an appointment through our online portal today for an eye exam appointment.
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