While genetics plays a role in your vision, your lifestyle choices also significantly impact the health of your eyes.
That’s why Nicanor Lacsina, O.D., and Yelena Pinkhasova, O.D., make it a point to discuss lifestyle habits during eye exams here at Bainbridge Eye Care.
In this blog, we explore five lifestyle habits we’ve shared for over 20 years with our patients in the Norwood neighborhood of Bronx, New York City δΈ€ that can help promote healthy eyes and preserve your vision for years.
What you eat affects every aspect of your body, and your eyes are no exception. Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) can help protect your eyes from age-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Include dark, leafy greens, colorful fruits, and vegetables in your daily meals.
What you don’t eat is just as important. Avoid refined foods, processed meats, fried foods, and cooking oils high in linoleic acid.
Proper hydration is not only essential for overall health but also for maintaining moisture in your eyes. Dehydration can lead to dry, irritated eyes, so make sure you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
If you drink enough water but still struggle with dry eyes, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are many other causes of dry eye, including medication side effects and allergies.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase the risk of eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses outdoors that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from harmful sun damage.
Tip: Keep extra sunglasses in your car and/or purse so you’re never without glasses.
At Bainbridge Eye Care, our staff is happy to help you find the sunglasses you need in our on-site lab. From kids’ sunglasses to specialty prescription sunglasses, we have what you need to protect your eyes from UV rays.
People use screens for work and school more now than ever before. The CDC estimates that kids spend about 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day. That doesn’t include any school work. For adults, the national average is 7 hours and 4 minutes.
While you can’t avoid screens used for work, there are some things you can do to prevent digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something (such as a painting or a window) 20 feet away, which is also a reminder to get up and stretch your legs!
You can also adjust the screen brightness and position your device to minimize glare. Consider using the amber night mode in the evening.
Regular eye examinations are an important part of keeping your eyes healthy. During your eye exam, your Bainbridge Eye Care provider can detect and address potential vision problems early.
Even if you don't wear glasses or contact lenses, routine eye checkups can identify glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or refractive errors. Early intervention can often prevent vision loss or slow down the progression of eye conditions.
Your eyes are precious, and adopting these lifestyle habits can go a long way in maintaining optimal eye health. Even a small change can have an impact on your eyes!
Ready to schedule your next eye exam? Call 718-306-9127 to speak with our friendly staff or book an appointment online.
