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Diet

This study, along with multiple other studies including those of the Harvard Medical School, Tufts University, and the Erasmus Medical Center, have found that the following foods can have the largest impact on ones eye health:

• Leafy greens such as kale and spinach
• Fatty fish like salmon and tuna
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and orange vegetables

Whatever your age, get in the habit of eating these foods regularly for the health of your vision!

Smoking

Smokers are more likely to face age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. All these conditions can affect your vision and even lead to blindness.

If you smoke, quit to preserve your vision. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Exercise

Regular exercise can improve circulation, keep blood pressure low, and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Eye Protection

Prevent Blindness America reports that upwards of 900,000 Americans suffer eye injuries each year. Most of these injuries could be prevented with safety goggles.

Wear safety glasses whenever you’re working with power tools, harsh chemicals, or biotoxins.

Protective eyewear is also a good idea for contact sports, hunting, and mowing lawns. While most eye injuries take place on the job, about 125,000 Americans have eye injuries at home each year, and about 40,000 children are injured in household accidents.

Sun Damage

Ultraviolet light can also increase your chances of macular degeneration and cataracts. Protect your eyes from sun damage by wearing sunglasses whenever you’re in the sun long enough to tan or burn. You should always use sunglasses in any outdoor activity.

The Eye Center has a great selection of functional and fashionable sunglasses.

The 20-20-20 Rule

If you work with a computer – or play video games for long periods of time – you should follow the 20-20-20 rule.

Look away from the screen every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away, and take a take a break for 20 seconds.

Many people blink less when looking at a computer screen, and can end up with eyestrain and dry eyes. Set an alarm to remind you to take a vision break every 20 minutes. It adds up to less than 10 minutes throughout your workday, and can safeguard your vision.