New Year’s resolutions are made to change an undesired trait, to accomplish a personal goal, or improve your wellbeing. This year, dedicate a part of your resolution to improving your eye health. In fact, the doctors at Integrity Eye Associates want everyone to discover how they can optimize their eye health in the new year with these six tips.
Protect Your Eyes from Injury
Every year, 40 percent of eye injuries occur from sports and recreation, and 90 percent of these injuries could have been prevented with the proper protective eyewear. If you need prescription protective eyewear, most eye doctors will be able to prescribe the right fit and RX.
Take a Screen Break
In the age of technology, it’s hard to not spend time on your phone, computer, or tablet. Having too much screen time can lead to computer eye syndrome, which is characterized by tired eyes, blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry eyes, headaches, and shoulder or neck pain. To help relieve these effects, try the 20/20/20 method. Every 20 minutes, concentrate on something 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. It’s a quick, easy way to give your eyes a break and relieve eye strain.
Wear Sunglasses
UV rays reflecting off surfaces including snow, pavement, metal, and water can damage your eyes and increase the likelihood of pterygium or macular degeneration. By wearing shades year-round, you will block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays that you’re exposed to on a daily basis. Our knowledgeable optical associates can help you select a pair of sunglasses that will help protect your eyes in style!
Healthy Diet = Healthy Eyes
Studies have shown that foods rich in beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain vitamins help guard against vision loss from a variety of eye diseases that can lead to blindness. Having a diet that includes green, leafy vegetables, fruit, and fish helps ensure your eye health.
Be Smoke-Free in 2019
Many people don’t realize that smoking cigarettes can lead to vision loss. Studies show smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, dry eye syndrome and glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Schedule a Regular Eye Exam
During a comprehensive annual eye exam, you’ll be checked for potential eye diseases or disorders. Also, your visual abilities are evaluated carefully, and if needed your doctor will recommend lenses, medication, and/or vision therapy.
The doctors at Integrity Eye Associates want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and hope that you’ll make changes in 2019 to assure your eyes will be healthy for years to come. Those interested in scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at our office near Paoli, PA, should call us at 484-452-4314. We also allow walk-in appointments for those seeking new prescription glasses in the Paoli, PA, area.