Photo by: woodleywonderworks
Thanks in large part to the regular David Letterman feature, “Top Ten” lists are a very popular, so I thought I would offer one of my own. Here is my list of the Top Ten things you can do today on behalf of your eye health.
Number 10
Take regular breaks when you are using computer. Remember the “20/20 Rule”: look away from your computer every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds.
Number 9
Ladies–throw out that old eye makeup, which can irritate your eyes.
Number 8
Don’t smoke. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. It has been linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
Number 7
If you are heading out to play racquetball, hockey, lacrosse or any other sport that can pose a risk to your eyes, make sure you pack your eye protection. If you don’t have goggles or a mask, stop and pick one up—then have some fun!
Number 6
If you don’t know your family’s eye health history, find out about it. A family history of glaucoma, for instance, greatly increases the chance that you will suffer from it, too. That’s something that you and your eye physician should know about.
Number 5
Eat vision-friendly foods. That means, of course, carrots (which are indeed good for your eyes), but other vegetables and fruits are also good. Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens provide great vision nutrients, and your vision will also benefit from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Number 4
If you wear contact lenses, use them hygienically. Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting them in or taking them out. Disinfect them as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
Number 3
If you are overweight, do something about it! Carrying extra weight increases your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Get out and exercise today!
Number 2
Wear your shades. Sure, they look good, but what’s more important is that they will protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Look for sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Number 1
If you are over 40 and have not had a comprehensive eye exam in over a year, schedule one today. Ditto if you are not yet 40 and have not had a comprehensive eye exam in the last two years. Changes to your vision can occur so gradually that you can’t notice them—but your physician will.
