The Importance of Maintaining Good
Vision & Eye Health
Maintaining
proper vision and eye health is so important in our day to day activities.
Without healthy vision, activities like reading and driving would be much more
difficult. Additionally, maintaining healthy vision is vital for completing
important tasks at home, at school and in the workplace safely.
Here are
some tips on how to maintain good eye health in our daily lives:
· Wear protective eyewear: If you work
in an atmosphere where hazardous or airborne material is possible, wearing
safety glasses is very important in protecting you from obtaining materials
like dust or dirt in your eyes that could potentially impair your vision. If
working in an outdoor environment, UV protection sunglasses are also important.
Taking routine eye safety classes can also help in preventing an accident from
happening in the workplace that could potentially be caused by impaired vision.
· Eating healthy food that promotes
good eye health: Green, leafy vegetables like spinach, collards and kale
contain nutrients and vitamins that are essential in maintaining proper eye
health. Salmon, tuna and other oily fish also help promote good eye health. Other
foods that provide nutritional benefits for good eye health include citrus
fruits, eggs, nuts and beans.
· Eye exams: Getting a routine eye exam
annually is important in determining the status of your eye health.
Additionally, it may assist in determining other potential health issues. Many
people first learn of serious health conditions such as cataracts, diabetes,
high blood pressure, cancer, glaucoma and high cholesterol through taking a
routine eye exam.
· Eye breaks: Taking breaks from
staring at a computer are important so you do not strain your eyes. Mayo Clinic
suggests the “20-20-20” technique where every 20 minutes you avert your eyes away
from the computer and stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This eye
exercise will help to prevent tired eyes by allowing them to refocus.
Additionally, the American Optometric Association suggests taking a 15-minute
break after 2 hours of continuous computer use. They also suggest blinking
frequently when using a computer to prevent dry eyes.
