West Dundee Illinois Eye Care: How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Whether or not you wear glasses or contacts, it's important to maintain your eye health. Your vision is essential to your overall health, and you should never take if for granted. Do everything in your power to make sure that your eyes stay healthy and that you see well. It's common for your vision to change as you age, and you should stay on top of those changes. There are also many serious diseases that can affect the eyes, and many of them come without warning. Here are a few tips for eye care in West Dundee Illinois that will keep your eyes healthy.

Visit an Eye Doctor Regularly

Even if your vision is 20/20, you should visit a West Dundee Illinois eye care facility on a regular basis. Every two years is probably sufficient, but if your insurance covers an annual exam, go every year. Be sure that the eye doctor dilates your pupils during the exam. One of the best ways to detect serious eye diseases early is through pupil dilation. You should also have your vision checked. Even though you may think your vision is perfect, there may be some small adjustments that could help you see more clearly. Women who are pregnant or nursing should see an eye doctor every six months since the hormones involved with pregnancy and milk production can affect the eyes. Assess Your Diet

What you eat can affect your vision, so assess your diet to see if you need to make any changes. A diet rich in dark leafy greens will promote good vision and eye health, so stock up on things like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Another food that promotes eye health is fish. If you aren't a fish person, take a supplement with omega-3 fatty acids.

Always Protect Your Eyes

It's very important to protect your eyes from injury. When you play sports or work in the garage, wear protective goggles. Always wear sunglasses when you are exposed to the sun. UV rays are dangerous and can permanently damage your eyes. Protect your eyes just as you would any other part of your body. Your West Dundee Illinois eye care clinic can help you select the proper protective eyewear for your lifestyle.

Avoid Eyestrain

In today's high-tech world, eyestrain is a real threat to eye health. Looking at a screen for hours on end will fatigue your eyes and could affect your vision over time. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: ever 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Many eye diseases are a direct result of health problems cause by obesity. Diabetes, in particular, is very dangerous for the eyes. Diabetic eye disease and glaucoma are just two of the many eye problems that stem from obesity. If you struggle with your weight, talk to your doctor today about how you can change your lifestyle and reach a healthier weight.

Keep Your Eyes Clean

Always wash your hands before touching your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, store them in fresh disinfecting solution each day. Keeping your hands and contacts clean will prevent the spread of infection to your eyes.

While it is very easy to take your vision for granted, you simply can't do it any longer. Just like any other part of your body, your eyes need to be taken care of so that they will last. If you regularly visit your West Dundee Illinois eye care clinic, assess your diet, protect your eyes, avoid eyestrain, maintain a healthy weight, and keep your eyes clean, your eyes will stay healthy for a lifetime.