5 Helpful Tips for Eye Health in 2022

Dr. Angela Cline looking at retina images on the computer

Here are five helpful tips to maintain and improve your eye health for this year.

1. Eat Healthy

Make sure to eat plenty of dark leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables that contain powerful carotenoids which are critical for eye health. Lutein protects your central vision and lower the risk of cataracts and advanced macular degeneration.

2. Be Prepared for Allergies

Seasonal allergies can cause itchy eyes, watery eyes, and a runny nose.  Eye allergies can lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections.  Avoid certain cosmetics and allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander.  As spring approaches and the presence of pollen increases, stay indoors as much as possible and run the air conditioner to filter the air.  Make sure you replace filters frequently.  Remove your contact lenses because the surface attracts and accumulates airborne allergens.

3. Wear Protective Eyewear

Be sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes when using spraying cleaning supplies, mowing the lawn, woodworking, or repairing your home or your car.  Eye injuries are easily prevented by wearing a pair of protective glasses or goggles.  Almost 90% of sports related eye injuries are preventable with protective eyewear.  Sports glasses protect your eyes and enhance your vision.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection should be worn all year long.  Wearing sunglasses with UV protection block out harmful UV rays that can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Polarized lenses are effective for blocking glare.  Also, cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes is more common than people think.  Sunglasses can reduce the risk of cancer developing in these areas.

5. Rest Your Eyes

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces your risk for computer vision syndrome which occurs when you focus your eyes on a computer or other display device for long, uninterrupted periods of time.

For 2020, follow these helpful tips to keep your eyes healthy and safe.  Be sure to eat healthy, be prepared for allergy season, wear protective safety or sport glasses, wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, and follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital strain on your precious eyes.

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