In the United States alone, 25.5 million adults deal with some form of vision loss. Practicing good eye care habits now reduces the likelihood of developing certain ocular problems in the long run. Below are a few eye care tips for keeping these crucial organs healthy and strong.

How to Keep the Eyes Healthy

1. Wear Sunglasses

The sun's ultraviolet rays pose several potential dangers to the delicate, exposed structure of the eye. Some of the more common dangers include cataracts, which is a gradual clouding-over of one's vision, macular degeneration, a progressive loss of central vision, and intra-eye cancer and skin cancer around the eye. To effectively safeguard the eyes from the sun, invest in a pair of sunglasses that have total UV protection and block all UV-A and UV-B rays.

2. Eat Right

Maintaining a nutritious diet is one of the best preventative steps anyone can take — not just for eye care but for their overall health. The eyes need vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, so eat plenty of foods that are rich in these nutrients. Fill your plate with plenty of leafy green vegetables, oily fish like salmon and sardines, and protein-dense foods like eggs and beans.

3. Be Mindful of Your Screen Time

Staring into any type of computer screen, including smartphones and tablets, can be detrimental to eye health. The strain caused by the blue light can create blurry vision, problems focusing on distant objects, and dry eyes. Implement the 20-20-20 rule as part of your eye care routine. Every 20 minutes, look up from your screen and focus on a distant object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Every two hours, take a minimum of 15 minutes away from all screens.

For any eye conditions or concerns, trust Tri-State Ophthalmology. Since 1963, they have provided eye care to patients throughout the Boyd County, KY, region. Cataract surgery, diabetic eye disease care, and macular degeneration treatment are among the services they provide. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or somewhere in between, Tri-State Ophthalmology takes pride in helping their patients to see clearly. Call (606) 324-2451 or visit their website to schedule an eye exam today.