Overview: Do you find that you are you squinting more than usual? Is staring at the computer screen giving you a headache? If you can’t see the movie clearly even when you’re sitting in the front row, you should read the following blog to get tips on how to keep your vision healthy!
Nutrition
Is there anything that good nutrition can’t do? Maintaining great vision begins with eating a nutritious diet. The leading cause of blindness in adults is diabetes and by eating a healthy diet you can prevent Type 2 Diabetes from developing. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, E and zinc all prevent vision problems that occur as we age. There is a common myth that eating carrots will help improve your vision and this is not completely true. However, eating nutritious foods like the ones listed below, does maintain healthy vision:
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Leafy vegetables, spinach, kale
- Eggs, nuts, beans (non-meat proteins sources)
- Oily fish—salmon & tuna
Mind the Sunlight
Nothing like the warm sun shining on your face! However, remember that ultraviolet rays from the sun are dangerous for your eyes. Excess exposure to UV rays increases your chances of developing cataracts and can lead to macular degeneration. Not to worry, you can still enjoy the sunshine and look cool at the same time! Grab a good pair of sunglasses, preferably ones that can block UVA and UVB rays.
Break Away from the Computer Screen
Laptops, iPads, smartphones and computer screens are all a part of our daily lives. Continuously having our eyes locked on computer screens for long periods of time can cause the following:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Strain on the eyes
There are tips for you to reduce the strain on your eyes and to protect them from computer screens. You can wear proper glasses or contact lenses and in some cases have eye wear that help decrease the glare of a computer screen. It’s also easier on your eyes if you are looking slightly down on your computer by making sure the top of your monitor is placed at eye level. You can also invest in anti-glare screens that easily attach to your computer monitor. If you do you have to work staring into a computer screen, take breaks every 20 minutes to rest your eyes by looking away. Additionally it’s healthy for you eyes to take a 15-minute break every two hours to give your vision a break from the computer screen.
Safety
If your job requires you to work with hazardous materials or if you are working on a job site that has materials that become airborne, optometrists recommend that you wear safety goggles. Protective eye wear is also advisable when playing sports like racquetball and hockey.
Kick the Habit
If you're a smoker, you've probably heard all the negative effects that nicotine can have on your body. Your vision is not excluded. Smoking increases your chances of developing cataracts and also leads to optic nerve damage. By quitting smoking, your eyes and the rest of your body will thank you!
Visiting Market Mall Optometry
The best preventative measures from developing any vision problems are by catching them early. All you have to do is visit your eye doctor regularly. Routine eye exams can diagnose diseases like glaucoma, which has no symptoms. Annual visits to Market Mall Optometry will provide general eye care and with thorough examinations, we can determine if you have: nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or any age-related vision problems.
The Bottom Line: Far too often people neglect the importance of taking care of their eyes and only visit the eye doctor when avoidable vision problems have already developed. The gift of sight is precious and you shouldn’t take this for granted! The steps in maintaining healthy vision are: eating a healthy nutritious diet, being cognizant of how much time you stare at the computer screen, wearing protective eye wear and by visiting Calgary Optometrist Dr. Zain Jivraj at Market Mall Optometry!
To schedule an appointment or to find out more about the optometry services offered in Calgary, contact Market Mall Optometry today on 403-286-4884.
