Your eyes are an important part of your health. You can do many things to keep them healthy and make sure you’re seeing your best. Follow these simple guidelines for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years:
n Visit your eye-care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
n Maintain your blood sugar levels. Ninety percent of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable.
n Know your family’s eye health history. This information will help to determine if you’re at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
n Eat a diet rich in fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids to keep your eyes healthy.
n Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home.
n Wear your shades. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
n Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing you can forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This short exercise can help reduce eyestrain.
n Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly. Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
For more information about healthy vision, visit cdc.gov/visionhealth/risk/tips.htm.
— Benefits and WellnessHuman Resources, 5-18-23
