What an Eye Doctor Wants You to Know During Healthy Vision Month

As one of Chico & Paradise’s most trusted eye doctors, the professionals at Reeve-Woods Eye Center seek to educate patients on how to keep their eyes healthy. In honor of Health Vision Month, here is a guide to keeping your eyes healthy.
 

Five Tips from an Optometrist on Maintaining Healthy Eyes

1. Protect Your Eyes from Injury

Whenever you engage in an activity involving chemicals or flying debris, wear goggles or protective eyewear. Whether you are playing racquetball or mowing the lawn, impact to the eye can cause damage or even a loss of vision.
 

2. Wear Sun Protection

While we depend on the sun for so many things, the UV A and UV B radiation damage our skin and eyes. Wear sunglasses that offer broad spectrum protection against both UV A and UV B. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. If you are unsure which sunglasses to buy, visit a reputable optometry practice as they generally carry a range of prescription and nonprescription sunglasses that meet the industry standards.
 

3. Eat Healthy Foods

Our eyes need Omega-3 Fatty acids, lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. These and other nutrients provide the building blocks used to repair and maintain the tissues in your eyes. Generally, eating a balanced, healthy diet including healthy fats, lean protein, and at least five servings of vegetables and fruits, benefits all aspects of your health including your vision.
 

4. Give Your Eyes a Break

The modern lifestyle results in eye strain from spending hours staring at mobile devices and computer screens. Whenever you work at your computer, read, or concentrate on detail-oriented tasks, be sure to give your eyes frequent breaks to prevent excessive eye strain. Taking a break every 20 minutes, and focusing your eyes on a non-digital object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds is a great way to reduce eye strain. This gives your eyes a break from focusing on close objects like a computer screen.
 

5. See Your Optometrist Annually

As with any medical condition, early diagnosis leads to early treatment. This is just as true for your eyes as it is for other parts of your body. Visit your eye doctor annually for a comprehensive eye and vision examination.
 

Don’t Forget to Care for Your Eyes

If you are due for your annual examination and need a new eye doctor, contact us at Reeve-Woods Eye Center today. Our optometry practice is an area leader in patient care, early diagnosis, and patient education. Give us a call at 530-899-2244 in Chico and 530-877-6583 in Paradise.