May is Healthy Vision Month

You can have a comprehensive dilated eye exam to check for common eye problems. If you haven’t had an exam in a while, schedule one now. Taking care of your eyes also may benefit your overall health. In addition to your comprehensive dilated eye exams, visit an eye care professional if you have: Decreased vision. Eye pain. Drainage or redness of the eye. Double vision. Diabetes. Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float before your eyes). Circles (halos) around light sources; or If you see flashes of light.

Ways you can help protect your vision:

• Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
• Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, since some are hereditary.
• Eat right to protect your sight: In particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, trout, and halibut. Eat foods that are high in antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Stay on top of long-term health conditions—like diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
• Quit smoking or never start.
• Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent-100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
• Wash your hands before taking out your contacts and cleanse your contact lenses properly to avoid infection.
• Practice workplace eye safety.
• Give your eyes a rest. Looking at a computer for a long time can tire out your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule—rest your eyes by taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Make Eye Health Part of Your Health Care Routine