From the Daily Journal of Dr. Helen Chandoha O.D.
We put sunscreen on our skin to prevent skin cancer and sun burn, we brush and floss our teeth to prevent cavities, and we wash our hands to prevent the spread of germs. But what can we do about keeping our eyes healthy?
According to the American Eye-Q Survey, 47% of Americans are worried about losing their ability to see. Compare this statistic to 27% of people who are worried about losing their memory or the mere 4% of people who are worried about losing their hearing.
By taking proper steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protecting your eyes from stress and injury, you can avoid many eye and vision problems. Here are some things you can do to help maintain healthy eyes:
1. Eat Healthy! Mom was right, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose foods rich in anti-oxidants like leafy green vegetables, and fish to protect the eye’s function.
2. Don’t smoke. Smoking exposes your eyes to noxious chemicals and increases the risk of age related macular degeneration and cataracts.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercise improves blood circulation to the eyes and aids in removal of toxins.
4. Wear Sunglasses. The harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun can damage the eye from the front of the eye to the back. Wear sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection to prevent eyelid cancers, slow the progression of cataracts and retinal problems like age-related macular degeneration.
5. Get regular eye exams. We go to the dentist twice a year and get a yearly physical exams at the family doctor. Why no yearly eye exam? The eyes are the window to the body and through them we can see systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
6. Wear safety Glasses at work, home and outdoors to prevent eye injuries. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2000 U.S. workers sustain job related eye injuries each year. Any injury to the eye has the potential for causing some vision loss or even blindness. Most eye injuries can be prevented by wearing safety glasses. Be sure to wear the appropriate protection for the type of eye hazards at your workplace. Splashes from chemicals and oil, ultraviolet or infrared radiation and flying objects like wood or metal are examples of some work related dangers to the eyes.
At home, wearing safety goggles can also help prevent household related eye injuries from the following: cleaning with strong household products, chopping wood, using motorized equipment like power tools. These safety goggles can be purchased from building supply stores and hardware stores.
Recreational activities call for special eye protection. Even a casual game of basketball, football, hockey, paintball, or racquetball can result in a serious eye injury. An elbow or racquet to the eye can cause considerable damage and lead to corneal abrasion, traumatic cataract, traumatic glaucoma, or even retinal detachment.
So, even if you have had refractive surgery and your vision is better than 20/20, your eyes still need to be protected. Be sure to wear safety glasses and maintain your annual eye examinations!
OUR LOCATIONS:
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Carbondale, PA 18407
PHONE: (570) 282-2000 • FAX: (570) 483-8210
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Scranton, PA 18505-2337
PHONE: (570) 504-1530 • FAX: (570) 504-1533
216 Nazareth Pike
Bethlehem, PA 18020
PHONE: (610) 813-0342 • FAX: (610) 813-0628
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