5 healthy vision tips for young adults

May 2019 — You may have heard that the eyes are windows to the soul — but did you know that your eye health is closely related to your overall physical health? Taking care of your health now can help decrease your risk of vision loss and blindness in the future. That’s why the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, is encouraging adults ages 25 to 35 to make vision a priority during Healthy Vision Month 2019. The message is clear: young adults can take steps now to help prevent vision loss later in life.

Take these steps today to stay healthy and protect your vision:

1. Eat a healthy diet.

    

   Choose lots of veggies (like kale, spinach, and orange bell peppers), fruits (like blackberries and raspberries), and try to eat fish. And, as your grandparents might have told you, eat your carrots!

2. Stay at a healthy weight.

    

   Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk for diabetes and high blood pressure — conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness.

3. Wear sunglasses - even on cloudy days!

    

   Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep your vision sharp. Choose sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outdoors for extra eye protection.

4. Quit smoking.

    

   Research shows that smoking can increase your risk of eye diseases, like cataracts. If you smoke, talk with your doctor and make a plan to quit.

5. Give your eyes a rest from screen time.

    

   When you’re working at a screen,

   practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

[Read more vision and eye news.]

Page published on Tuesday, May 21, 2019