It’s important to take precautions and preventative measures to improve your eyesight to prevent injury and disease and improve longevity of vision. Follow these tips from Texas Tech Physician Cathy Wittman, O.D., so that you can not only stop and smell the flowers this spring – you’ll be able to see them too.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection year round. Ultraviolet rays can be just as intense in the winter and spring as they are in the summer.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports, doing yard work or working in the garage. Most eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eye wear.
Don’t smoke. Smoking can speed up or intensify macular degeneration.
Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Alcohol and sugary sodas are diuretics and can dry out the eye.
Eat your vegetables. Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale contain lutein and other antioxidents that are good for your eyes.
Avoid trans fats. Omega 6 fats found in some potato chips and crackers have been linked to macular degeneration.
Get your eyes checked once a year. Some eye diseases don’t have symptoms in the early stages. You should also have your eyes checked annually if you have diabetes, high blood pressure thyroid disease or a weakened immune system.