As a nation, we’re getting old. And with aging comes changes to our eyes. The number of people who are blind and low vision in the U.S. is projected to double from by 2050 from 2015 totals. March is Save Your Vision Month. Here are tips from the National Eye Institute for keeping your eyes healthy:
- Get regular dilated eye exams. Glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. The earlier they’re detected, the better the outcome.
- Eat well. A vegetable-rich diet nourishes your eyes. Be sure to include spinach, kale or other dark leafy greens. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids also have eye-health benefits.
- Quit smoking. It’s just bad for you. Smoking increases your risk of eye disease and conditions that can rob you of vision.
- Control your weight. Obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision loss.
- Find out if there’s eye disease in your family. Many eye diseases and conditions are hereditary. It’s important to know if you are at a higher risk.
- Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Be sure to choose a pair that block both UV-A and UV-B
- Blinking rests your eyes and helps prevent strain. Make a point of looking away from screens every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds.
- Wash your hands. And don’t rub your eyes. Keep germs away to avoid infection.