Your eyes are your windows to the world, and thankfully, there are several eye-friendly habits that you can adopt to protect your eyes for years to come.
Nicanor Lacsina, OD, and Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, highlight their top seven tips, including why you should schedule an exam here at Bainbridge Eye Care.
The average American spends seven hours and three minutes using screens, and while technology is no doubt convenient, your eyes can pay the price for that convenience.
Using computers or phones for hours can lead to computer eye strain, also called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Regardless of what you call it, this condition leads to dry eyes, red eyes, headaches, and achy eyes.
To combat digital eye strain:
If you’re still struggling with dry eyes, talk to us. Dry eyes are caused by allergies, meibomian gland dysfunction, and wearing contact lenses too long. Our team can help pinpoint the source of your dry eyes so you can feel the relief you’re looking for.
UV rays can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts, intraocular melanoma, and macular degeneration. It can also increase your risk of a specific type of glaucoma, called pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
The good news is that reducing your risk of UV exposure is easy — wear sunglasses all year, including when skiing this winter! Snow can reflect the sun’s rays into your face.
If you wear prescription eyeglasses, consider keeping prescription sunglasses in your car so you’re always prepared.
UV rays aren’t the only thing that can damage your eyes. Lacerations, chemical peels, and blows to the face can damage your eyes.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes when using power tools, stains, or household chemicals, working in a lab setting, or playing high-risk sports like racquetball.
If you work in an environment where you may need to use an eyewash station, make sure you’re familiar with the system and know how to use it.
When you exercise, your body pumps more blood to your retina and optic nerve, which can help reduce your risk of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
You don’t need to train for a marathon to reap the rewards of exercise. An extra walk around the block when you walk your dog, a quick lunchtime walk, or a ride on the stationary bike at the gym are all beneficial.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends 30 minutes of exercise daily, which is the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it increases your risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration.
If you’re a current smoker, consider smoking cessation for the sake of your vision. If you’re ready to quit, there are several options to get help in New York City, including locations in the Bronx.
Protecting your eyes could be as easy as a trip to the grocery store. Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach contain lutein and zeaxanthin — two antioxidants that protect your macula. (Your macula is what gives you clear central vision.)
Vitamin E and vitamin C also support healthy eyes, so add beans, broccoli, peas, strawberries, red bell peppers, and citrus fruits to your grocery cart.
It takes just a minute or two to schedule your eye exam, yet it’s one of the best things you can do for your eyes.
During your annual eye exam at Bainbridge Eye Care, Nicanor Lacsina, OD, and Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, assess your visual acuity, measure your intraocular eye pressure, and look for any red flags. Some eye diseases, like glaucoma, can steal your sight, but with quick treatment, you can get the treatment you need to save your vision.
Our team can also recommend treatments for dry eyes or allergies, create eyeglasses in our on-site lab, and recommend other eye-friendly habits to keep your eyes healthy well into the new year.
Need to schedule an eye exam? Give us a ring at 718-306-9127 or request an appointment online today.
