No matter your age, your vision should be a top priority. Taking good care of your eyes will help reduce your risk of various eye diseases and avoid vision loss in the future. In honor of Healthy Vision Month, here are some simple eye care tips to follow.

4 Ways to Take Care of Your Vision

1. Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses

Looking directly into the sun can damage your vision and increase your risk of cataracts. By putting on sunglasses before you leave the house, you can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When shopping for sunglasses, purchase a pair that blocks 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

2. Eat the Right Foods

Eating a wholesome diet will do much more than just help you maintain a healthy weight. It can also help you maintain healthy vision. Kale and other dark leafy vegetables, for example, contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against sun damage. Other eye-friendly foods include salmon, sweet potatoes, strawberries, and citruses.

3. Get Regular Eye Exams

Even if your vision seems fine, you should get an exam at an eye care facility once a year. An eye doctor will conduct vision tests to check for signs of astigmatism, macular degeneration, and other vision issues. The sooner you catch a vision problem, the easier it is to treat.

4. Wear Safety Eyewear

If you work around hazardous materials at your job, always protect your eyes with safety goggles. These goggles will prevent particles from getting into your eyes and damaging your vision. If you play contact sports, like hockey or lacrosse, you should likewise wear eye protection like a helmet or sports glasses.

For professional eye care to keep your vision healthy, turn to Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates in Aiea, HI. They’ve been voted Hawaii’s Best Optometrist in Honolulu since 2010 for their comprehensive services, from routine eye exams to laser eye correction. For more information about their services, visit their website, and call (808) 487-5500 to make an appointment today.