Many of us take our vision for granted until there’s a problem. Regular annual eye exams are the best proactive way to take care of your vision. Here are 10 other ways you can show your eyes some love and take care of your vision.
1. Getting hit in the eye, chemical burns, sudden onset of blurry or loss of vision, eye scratches, flashes of light or floaters, or abrupt headaches (with or without vision changes) are considered emergencies. If you experience any of these, you should make an eye appointment right away.
2. Sitting too close to the TV can’t hurt your eyes. Spending too much time in front of the screen (be it TV, computer, or phone) can tire your eyes, but not cause permanent damage. As with everything, moderation is key. If your eyes feel strained—tune out.
3. All sunglasses are not created equal. Look for UV blocking agents.
4. Don’t put a steak on a black eye. For minor black eyes, a cold compress or a bag of frozen veggies will help reduce swelling and pain. The steak could expose your eyes to bacteria. For more serious injuries, see your eye doctor.
5. While wearing eyeglasses with the wrong prescription (or trying on someone else’s) won’t damage your eyes, it might give you a headache. Your best bet is to wear your own glasses and get regular eye exams, so your prescription is current.
6. Even if you see well, a regular eye exam is still important. There are many eye diseases that have no outward symptoms initially—glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration. Early detection will help with treatment and preserving your vision.
7. You can combat dry eyes in the winter by using a humidifier in your home, wearing protective eyewear when out in the elements, and pointing the car heater vent away from your face.
8. While we were always told to eat our carrots because they’re good for our eyes, here are some other top-10-eye-foods: spinach, red bell pepper, tomatoes, basil, sweet potatoes, eggplant, Brussels sprouts, grapes, barley, and oats.
9. Digital eye strain comes from overexposure to blue light. This is the high-energy light that comes from smartphones, tablets, TVs, computer screens, LED and CFL light, and the sun. Ask your eye doctor about anti-reflective coating for your glasses and if it’s right for you. It may help cut down your eye strain and protect your vision.
10. Men are less likely to schedule preventive health visits than women—including eye exams. They also have a higher mortality rate. Coincidence? We think not. Being proactive with your health (including eye health) pays off in the long run.
VSP® Sources:
- “Emergency Eye Care vs. Routine—What’s the Difference?”
- “Fact or Fiction: 5 Common Eye Myths Get Debunked”
- “What Can I Do About Dry Eyes in the Winter?”
- “Top 10 Eye-healthy Foods to Keep You Looking Radiant”
- “Baby Boomers are Spending More Time Online—Are Your Eyes Safe?”
- Learn more about the HealthTeam Advantage vision benefit
- Search for providers
- Members can create an account at VSP.com
