Just as you care for your skin, your teeth and your heart, you can take steps to preserve your eyesight.
- Get regular eye exams. Typically in your 20s and 30s, you can schedule an eye exam every three to five years and two to four years in your 40s through mid-60s, according to Prevent Blindness America. Once you hit age 65, you’ll want to have your eye examined every one to two years. You’ll want to have your eyes checked more frequently if you have such risk factors as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma.
- Eat well. Don’t just focus on the common good-eye-food carrots. While carrots do provide the beta-carotene that helps us see at night, fill up your plate with dark, leafy greens that are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Take breaks from the computer. If your job requires you to spend a great deal of time staring at a screen, be sure to take regular breaks and ensure you have proper lighting and screen resolution.
- Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and don protective eyewear when doing any construction work or yard chores that could result in flying debris.
- Know your family history. People who have a family history of eye diseases like glaucoma are at a greater risk, so take the time to understand your personal risk factors and share those with your eye doctor.