Bring These Healthy Eye Habits into Your New Year

Many of the resolutions that are currently being made revolve around looking and feeling better. There are obvious benefits to creating the intention of eating better and of hitting the gym at least a couple of days a week. As eye health specialists serving the Winchester, PA area, we want to chime in on all the New Year resolving that is going on to suggest a few ways to also support your eyes for the foreseeable future.
Guard Your General Health
There are a few medical conditions that can have a profound effect on your eyes. Diabetes is one of them and high blood pressure is another. So, as a basis for long-term eye health and vision, we suggest scheduling a full checkup with your primary care provider. Knowing details of your blood pressure and blood sugar levels allows you to then discuss how these conditions may affect your eyes and what you can do to reduce the risks of eye disease such as glaucoma and retinopathy.
Take a Break from Your Screen
Screen-time eats up hours out of our day, according to research. Studies have indicated that our eyes are not made for the persistent viewing of a screen. As children have traded outdoor time for more screen time in recent years, there has been a marked increase in vision problems earlier in life. Adults, as well, suffer when their eyes are focused for too long. Don’t just drop your screen-time (and your children’s), spend time with your eyes closed. Spend time looking off in the distance. These are two simple strategies to avoid unnecessary inflammation and strain.
Take Cover from the Sun
Sunshine feels good to the bones, particularly when the temperature drops and we just want to feel warm again. Natural sunlight does offer a host of benefits, but it also poses hazards. You may know that any amount of sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer. Did you also know that the delicate skin around the eyes is most vulnerable to UV damage? Also, did you know that UV light can cause cancer of the eye itself? Even far less drastic than cancer in or around the eye, but far more common, UV light increases the risk of cataracts later in life. Save your eyes. Take cover under a large pair of quality sunglasses that filter ultraviolet rays.
Make this a year in which you get to know your eyes better. We’ll help. To schedule a consultation and eye exam with us, call 540.722.6200.
Posted in: Glaucoma