Most of the information we receive from our surroundings comes through our eyes, so let's do our best to protect them. Follow these 7 tips to give your eyes and vision the boost they need to stay healthy.

Eye Health Habits and Tips

1. Eat a Well Balanced Diet

Consuming a healthy and balanced diet filled with lots of vitamins and nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy and strong. Vitamins A, E, and C, along with zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids have all been shown to support eye health and function and reduce the risk of sight-threatening eye diseases.

2. Exercise

Exercising for at least 20 minutes each day not only gets your body moving, but also improves blood circulation in the eyes. A regular exercise routine can also help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of obesity, which is a risk factor for several conditions that cause vision loss in adults.

3. Control Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can damage the tiny and fragile blood vessels that feed the retina, resulting in blurred vision and vision loss. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and taking prescribed medication can help reduce your blood pressure and your risk of vision loss.

4. Wear Sunglasses

Wearing 100% UV-protective sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and reduce your risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other sight-threatening conditions.

5. Rest Your Eyes

Spending hours each day in front of a computer screen can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and dry eye symptoms. Practice the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes much-needed breaks: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking tobacco has been linked to higher risks of sight-threatening eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

7. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are a crucial part of maintaining eye health and vision. Comprehensive eye exams can detect early signs of eye disease even before symptoms appear, facilitating earlier treatment and lowering your risk of permanent vision loss.

If you're due for a routine checkup, contact Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio to schedule an eye exam today. Call (937) 228-2020.