You depend on your eyes every day, but if you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to their health until a problem occurs. The new year is the perfect time to give your eyes the TLC they deserve by committing to a few eye-healthy habits that set the stage for years of clear, comfortable vision.
At Advanced Eye Center in Hialeah, Florida, Rodrigo Belalcazar, MD, and his team are dedicated to providing patient-centered support and guidance aimed at preventing problems and supporting good eyesight.
Here, we offer five simple steps you can take to set the stage for years of healthy eyes and crystal-clear vision.
The first step in any journey is figuring out where you want to go. For eye health, that’s where your annual exam comes in. During an exam, we evaluate the structures of your eye as well as your vision, using advanced technology for the most accurate results.
Annual exams allow us to look for changes in your vision or eye health — subtle changes that could be the very earliest stages of a more serious problem. Eye exams also provide an opportunity to ensure your lens prescription is up to date and provide guidance to help you maintain healthy eyes and clear vision moving forward.
Many of us spend hours each day staring at our computers, tablets, or phones. Not surprisingly, digital eye strain has become increasingly common. A good way to combat dry, sore, tired eyes is to practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break to stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help relax your eyes and prevent strain.
Adjusting your screen brightness and keeping your monitor at eye level also help relieve stress on your eyes. Using artificial tears or adding a humidifier to your room are both effective in relieving the redness, soreness, and scratchiness associated with dry eyes, a common complaint for those who use screens a lot.
Most of us know ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage our skin, causing sunburn and increasing our risk of skin cancer. But what many don’t know is that those same rays can damage our eyes.
Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays helps protect against cataracts, macular degeneration, cancer, and eye irritation. This protection is important year-round, not just during the summer or on bright, sunny days.
What you eat plays a major role in your vision and long-term eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, lutein, and zinc help support your eyes and protect against age-related conditions.
Aim to include plenty of leafy greens, citrus fruits, fish, nuts, and colorful vegetables in your diet whenever possible. When incorporated into your eating habits over time, even small changes can make a big difference in your eye health.
Most of us know sports and other high-impact activities increase our risk of eye injuries, but even everyday activities like yardwork and home repairs can be dangerous. Wearing protective eyewear reduces your risk of scratches, chemical exposure, and blunt trauma, all of which can lead to serious complications.
Choosing the right protective gear is important to ensure you get optimal protection while staying comfortable (and fashionable). If you’re not sure what gear you need for your activities, we can recommend the best type of protection to keep your eyes safe and healthy.
Healthy eyes don’t happen by accident — they’re a product of practicing good habits regularly. These five simple resolutions make it easier to support your vision, reduce discomfort, and protect your eyes from long-term damage.
To schedule your eye checkup and learn about personalized strategies to keep your eyes healthy, request an appointment with Dr. Belalcazar and our team at Advanced Eye Center today by calling 305-707-6011 or scheduling online.
