Resolution 2022: Prioritize Your Eye Health This Year

How To Prioritize Your Eye Health

Go To The Optometrist. Eye exams are beneficial for checking your vision and updating any prescriptions as well as checking for eye health and other related health issues. When you go for eye exams, the optometrist will look for eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and more. Since certain eye diseases are not curable, early detection is the best way to reduce the effects of disease later in life. Some of these eye diseases are indicative of underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes and early detection can help you manage any symptoms and get treatment early.

Take Care Of Your Overall Health. Any new year’s resolutions to eat healthy and exercise regularly are going to benefit your eyes as much as they benefit your lifestyle and appearance. A healthy lifestyle positively impacts all aspects of the body, and it can help your eyes by bringing your blood pressure to a healthy level and reducing your chances of diabetic retinopathy. Eating dark leafy greens, Omega 3 rich fish, and other nutrient rich foods will benefit your eyes and your overall health.

Quit Smoking. Many people are aware of the carcinogenic impacts of smoking cigarettes, but smoking also increases your risk of developing various eye diseases. People who smoke are twice as likely to develop AMD than non-smokers and two to three times more likely to develop cataracts compared with non-smokers. Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and Dry Eye Syndrome.

Guard Against UV Rays. To help reduce your risk of developing cataracts, AMD, photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes), pinguecula (growth on the eye), or cancer of the eye, wear a wide brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses when you go outside. Wearing your UV blocking sunglasses is important even when it is not hot outside, such as in the winter when UV rays are reflected off of the snow and are therefore amplified.

Wear Eye Protection. If you are doing an activity that may cause harm to the eye, wear the appropriate safety glasses. Activities such as sports, welding, working with power tools, or working with chemicals can all easily result in damage to the eye, so wear safety glasses at all times during these activities. Remember that if you are doing these activities outside of a work setting that you should still wear safety glasses for protection.

Prioritize Your Eye Health By Visiting Market Mall Optometry in Calgary

Keeping your eyes safe and healthy is an achievable resolution that will benefit your overall health. The expert optometrists at Market Mall Optometry in MW Calgary will help you to better understand your eye health. Our experienced Calgary eye doctors can give you the information you need to take care of your eyes in 2022 and beyond! If you would like to book an eye exam at our NW Calgary location, you can call us at 403-286-4884, fill out the contact form, or book with us online.

FAQ

Q: What does an eye exam at Market Mall Optometry in Calgary typically include?
A: Your Calgary eye doctor will:

• Assess colour deficiency
• Measure depth perception
• Measure the pressure inside of your eyes
• Measure your existing glasses prescription
• Review any health concerns you may have or that may be in your family history
• Examine your eyes with and without the help of lenses 
• Fully assess the health of your eyes 
• Take retinal photos to assess the health of the back of your eyes 
• Give an optometrist-determined prescription if needed.

Q: Why should I wear protective glasses during sports?
A: Not every sport will require protective eyewear, but there are some high speed sports that are improved with eye protection. Badminton, paintball, squash, racketball, basketball, baseball, hockey, football, and mountain biking are some sports that benefit from eye protection. Safety glasses are recommended for any sport where there is flying debris, a risk of impact to the eyes, or a risk of falling. If you regularly play a sport, ask your eye doctor what protective eye gear they recommend.

Q: Where is Market Mall Optometry located?
A: We are conveniently located in NW Calgary next to Milestones by the North entrance of Market Mall.