Don’t forget to care for your vision!

Did you know that most vision problems are preventable?

It’s true! Vision loss doesn’t have to be a natural part of getting older. These everyday tips will help you for a lifetime of seeing well.

– Wear sunglasses (even on cloudy days!)
Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but more importantly, they can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and help keep your vision sharp.

– Eat eye-healthy foods
It’s true: carrots are good for your eyes! In fact, a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables — especially dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale — is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Research also shows that fish high in omega-3 fatty acids — like salmon and tuna — can help protect your vision.

– Get plenty of physical activity
Regular physical activity comes with a lot of great benefits. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, help you stay at a healthy weight — and protect you from serious eye diseases!

– Give your eyes a rest
Do your eyes ever feel achy at the end of the day? If you spend a lot of time at the computer or staring at your phone, you may forget to blink — and that can tire out your eyes. Try using the 20–20–20 rule throughout the day: every 20 minutes, look away from the screens and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This reduces eyestrain and helps your eyes (and you!) feel better at the end of the day.

– Protect your eyes — at work and at play
About 2,000 people in the United States get a serious work-related eye injury every day. The good news is that you can help protect your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear — like safety glasses, goggles, and safety shields.

For more information on keeping your eyes healthy visit: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/healthy-vision-resources/healthy-vision-month/my-vision-future

Reference: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health