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Annerie Erasmus Optometrist News Feed

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Tips for maintaining good eye health and sight

Maintaining healthy eyesight involves more than just regular eye examinations. Your general health can have a significant impact on your eye health. Here are six tips for maintaining good vision.

1. Eat the Right Foods

Fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These nutrients may help lower your chances of developing macular degeneration or cataracts. Green veggies, salmon, eggs, and citrus fruits are a great place to start!

A healthy diet also reduces your risk of diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness.

2. Use Safety Eyewear

Whether you're at work, tackling a DIY project, or playing sports like ice hockey, always wear protective eyewear to avoid injuries that could damage your eyes.

Safety eyewear

3. Always Wear Sunglasses

Invest in quality sunglasses that protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, not just fashionable ones. Too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts. Look for sunglasses with 99-100% UVA and UVB protection.

4. Take Regular Screen Breaks

Prolonged screen time can cause eyestrain, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches. To reduce these risks:

  • Take a break every 20 minutes.
  • Ensure your monitor is directly in front of you, with the top no higher than eye level.
  • Keep your glasses or contact lens prescriptions up to date for screen use.
  • Remember to blink!

5. Toss Out Old Makeup

  • Bacteria can grow in liquid makeup, so replace your products every three months—especially mascara and eyeliner—to avoid eye infections.
  • Never share your makeup with others.

6. Have Regular Eye Examinations

Everyone should have regular eye examinations. During these exams, your eye care professional can identify potential vision problems and recommend seeing an ophthalmologist if necessary.

Individuals with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should have their eyes examined at least every two years.