Getting Your Vision in Tip-Top Shape for 2018
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What are your goals for 2018? If you’re like most people, at least one of your New Year’s Resolutions involves your health; whether it’s drinking more water, hitting the gym more often, or starting a new healthy diet. All of these things are great, and luckily they can affect a lot more than just your physique. That’s right, we’re talking about eye health! This year, think of your new healthy habits as more than just preparation for swimsuit season – they help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Here are 5 things you can do this year to keep your eyes (and the rest of your body) in tip-top shape!
Eat a Balanced Diet
Everyone knows the benefits that eating a balanced, healthy diet has on your body as a whole. Every organ in your body will benefit from abandoning the SAD (standard American diet) and adopting a new, healthy diet. That includes your eyes! Your eyes will thank you in the long run, especially because they are more susceptible to disease as you age. Your eyes love leafy greens, colorful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acid rich foods. Be sure to add these to your diet daily!
Quit Smoking
By now, we know you’ve been bombarded with anti-smoking messages for years. But we’re here to remind you that smoking negatively affects every organ in your body, including your eyes. In fact, those who smoke are 4 times more likely to experience blindness in their older age. Do your future self a huge favor and quit smoking now!
Upgrade Your Eyewear
If you wear prescription glasses, make this year the year that you go in for an upgrade. Not only will your doctor update your prescription so you can experience the best vision possible, you can refresh your style for the new year. If your work makes you susceptible to eye injuries, make 2018 the year you start taking eye safety seriously and spring for a new pair of safety goggles. Are you an avid sports player? Keep your eyes safe during the game with a pair of sports glasses!
Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
The sun and your eyes aren’t friends. The sun is great for your daily dose of vitamin D, but as well all know, too much of a good thing can turn bad quickly. Every time you step outside during the day (and we mean every time) you should pause and make you’re protecting your eyes and your skin. The skin around your eyes is especially sensitive to harmful UV rays, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause all kinds of eye problems. Skin cancer around the eyes, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are just a few of the issues you can expect to experience later in life without sun protection. Do your eyes another favor by wearing 100% UVA + UVB protective sunglasses and using a sunscreen on your face daily. Not only will your eyes be healthier as you age, you’ll prevent premature aging!
Get Regular Eye Exams
Eye examinations are the foundation of your eye health. If you would like to keep your eyes healthy for the long haul, routine eye exams should be your first step. During your eye examinations, your doctor can keep tabs on your eye health and diagnose common diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, dry eye syndrome, and diabetic retinopathy. Not to mention, your doctor can let you know when it’s time to update your prescription and answer any questions.
Ready to make 2018 the year you start taking your eye health seriously? Contact Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Arizona in Glendale or Scottsdale, AZ! Our expert eye doctors are here to help you achieve visual greatness in 2018.