Visual iHealth

Don't take your eyes for granted, caring for your eyes is a year-round job. Here are easy tricks and tips for your vision.

tip 1: eat well

Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. A well-balanced diet also helps you stay at a healthy weight. That lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

tip 2: quit smoking

It makes you more likely to get cataracts, damage to your optic nerve, and macular degeneration, among many other medical problems. If you've tried to kick the habit before only to start again, keep at it. The more times you try to quit, the more likely you are to succeed.

tip 3: pick out tinted lenses

The right pair of tinted lenses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. All of our tinted lenses are polarized, as it reduce glare (even when you are driving!). Opt for our tinted lenses, it blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side.

tip 4: look away from the screen

Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause: Eyestrain, blurry vision, trouble focusing at a distance, dry eyes, headaches and neck, back, and shoulder pain! To protect your eyes:

- Make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date and good for looking at a computer screen.
- If your eye strain wonʼt go away, we recommend you to try out our PC Lens.
- Move the screen so your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. That lets you look slightly down at the screen.
- Try to avoid glare from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.
- Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.
- If your eyes are dry, blink more.
- Rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Get up at least every two hours and take a 15-minute break.

tip 5: get frequent eye exams

Everyone needs a regular eye exam, even young children. It helps protect your sight and lets you see your best. Eye exams can also find diseases, like glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to spot them early on, when they're easier to treat. At Visual Mass, we provide free eye exams just for you! Feel free to visit us for a regular eye check with no costs.