Your eyes are a vital part of your body. They are the most important sensory organs as they transmit information directly to the brain. Therefore, it only makes sense to look after your eyes, just like how you take care of the rest of your body.

One of the specialists you turn to when experiencing issues with your vision is an optometrist. An optometrist is different from an ophthalmologist, who is a medical doctor. However, the role of the optometrist is just as important.

Here’s how an optometrist can help you as a healthcare provider:

● Evaluates your eyesight and prescribes the right type of glasses and contact lenses
● Assesses how your visual system works
● Detects eye problems and diseases
● Provides valuable tips on how to care for your eyes

Optometrist Tips for Healthy Eyes

Optometrists are skilled and trained professionals who take care of their patients’ eyesight. They provide information and advice that you can use to keep your eyes in excellent condition.

Here are some tips from optometrists on how to keep your eyes healthy:

1. Proper Nutrition = Good Eyesight

To keep your eyes in tip-top shape, you start with a well-balanced and healthy diet to minimize the risk of eye diseases. Eating healthy may reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness among adults. You should be able to consume an appropriate amount of dark and leafy green vegetables as well as food rich in omega-3. Food packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc (such as nuts, eggs, and beans) will also help prevent eye problems that come with age, like macular degeneration.

2. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Prolonged sun exposure can be extremely detrimental to your eye health. Optometrists recommend wearing sunglasses to block ultraviolet rays and prevent ultraviolet radiation from harming your eyes. Visit a trusted eye care center like Robbins Eye so they can prescribe the right type of sunglasses to wear every time you are outdoors. The right pair of sunglasses will help avoid the onset of cataracts and macular degeneration.

3. Let Your Eyes Rest

Dry, tired, and irritated eyes is not something to be ignored. If you are always in front of the computer or smartphone, your eyes will suffer if you do not take regular breaks from the said devices. Staring at your smartphone or computer for too long can lead to headaches and blurry vision. Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes to avoid eye strain and dry eyes.

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking cigarettes puts you at risk of various health conditions, including eye diseases. If you smoke, you increase your chances of suffering from the likes of macular degeneration or cataracts. You have nothing to lose when you quit smoking, and your entire body will be thankful that you did.

5. Wear Prescription Eyewear

Many people think that wearing prescription glasses will make bad eyesight worse. If you have bad vision, the best thing that you can do is visit your trusted optometrist for the most suitable prescription eyewear. Contrary to popular belief, wearing prescription glasses can actually help you avoid straining your eyes.

6. Go for Regular Eye Checks

Most people go for regular dental check-ups but forget to get their eyes checked. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that parents should have their children’s eyes assessed as early as six months of age. Eye care should be given importance from an early age and throughout a person’s lifetime.

A comprehensive eye exam must be performed annually or every two years. There are certain factors to consider in scheduling your comprehensive eye exam, which includes your age, ethnicity, current eye condition, and risk factors (genetic or environmental conditions).

Depending on your eye condition, you may see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Your health practitioner will ask about your medical history before starting your eye exam. The comprehensive eye exam takes longer than a routine eye check because you will undergo vision, optic nerve, and eye pressure tests. You may also be asked to undergo other laboratory tests or medical examinations if deemed necessary.

Conclusion

Eye health should be one of your top priorities because neglecting it will not only cause vision problems, but way more severe eye conditions and diseases, too. Committing to yearly comprehensive eye checks will help keep your eyes in perfect state as these evaluations will help diagnose eye problems before they worsen. Early detection and proper treatment of eye problems are key to a lifetime of healthy vision.

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