How you can have healthy vision

Did you know your eyes are a window to your overall health? They can sometimes give hints about other health conditions you may have, including things like diabetes and high blood pressure. And if you do have diabetes, routine eye exams are an important way to help you manage your condition, since eye health issues are more common in people with diabetes. Below are some ways you can keep your vision healthy.

Get routine eye exams

Since some eye diseases don’t have any symptoms, getting routine eye exams is the best way to make sure your eyes are healthy. Eye exams can help find eye problems early on and prevent them from worsening. Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, and more often if recommended by their eye doctor. Children should have their eyes checked regularly as well. 

Comprehensive eye exams cover more than just a standard vision screening, as they also look at the overall structures of the eye for health issues and diseases.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats can help prevent eye problems. Foods that are high in vitamins A, C and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, are particularly beneficial for eye health. Follow the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate method for tips on building healthy meals.

Wear protective eyewear

Wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles or safety glasses, can help prevent eye injuries during sports, work, or other activities that may pose a risk to your eyes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Rest your eyes

Taking breaks and resting your eyes when doing tasks that require you to look at screens, such as computers or smartphones, for a long period of time can help prevent eye strain and fatigue. To help avoid eye strain, the American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule. Follow the rule by taking a break from your screen to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Managing diabetes

If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels in a healthy range can help lower your risk for eye diseases specifically connected to diabetes, like diabetic retinopathy, and vision loss.

Find a doctor

Maintaining good vision and preventing eye problems involves building healthy habits that promote eye health, as well as getting routine eye exams.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a comprehensive eye exam, or if you’ve never had one, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to make sure your eyes are healthy. Blue Cross of Idaho members can search for an in-network eye doctor by logging in to their member account and selecting Find Care.

 

Written by: Blue Cross of Idaho

Posted: August 2, 2024