Did you know that May is celebrated as Healthy Vision Month? This month is dedicated to promoting the importance of good eye health and raising awareness about eye-related issues. It’s also a great time to focus on early detection of vision problems and encourage people to take care of their eyesight.

One of the goals of Healthy Vision Month is to encourage people of all ages to take proactive measures to protect their vision and address potential vision problems early, before they can become big issues affecting your eyesight permanently. It’s easy to take our vision for granted, but vision is arguably the most important of the five senses, and any type of vision loss can significantly impact your quality of life. Especially with the increasing use of digital screens and other factors, our eyes are exposed to more strain and stress than ever before.

To maintain good eye health, it is important to adopt healthy habits and make some lifestyle changes. Here are some eye health tips to keep in mind during Healthy Vision Month and beyond:

1.     Schedule regular eye exams: Regular eye exams are essential to detect any vision problems early on and to prevent their progression. Adults should have an eye exam at least once every two years, and those over the age of 60 should have one every year.

2.     Protect your eyes from the sun: Exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your eyes over time. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and a hat to protect your eyes when you’re out in the sun.

3.     Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes. This can help prevent the spread of infections that can cause eye problems.

4.     Take breaks from digital screens: Spending long hours staring at digital screens can cause eye strain and fatigue. Take regular breaks, and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds, and focus on something 20 feet away.

5.     Eat “eye-friendly” food: A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce the risk of eye diseases including macular degeneration and cataracts. Some foods that are good for eye health include leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fatty fish.

6.     Avoid smoking: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of several eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of these diseases and improve overall health.

Maintaining healthy vision not only benefits your vision, but your overall health. By scheduling regular eye exams in addition to physical exams, your healthcare providers can work together to make your vision last a lifetime! Make your eye health a priority and call us today to schedule your annual exam!