Most people take their vision for granted. They don’t think about it until something goes wrong, and they must see the eye doctor. But there are things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and prevent problems from happening in the first place. This article will tell you all about them. It will also give tips on what to do when you start having vision problems. So, keep reading to learn how to protect your family’s vision.
Get Regular Eye Exams
The first step in protecting your family’s vision is to get regular eye exams. Everyone should have an annual comprehensive eye exam, even if they don’t wear glasses or contacts. This is because many eye problems don’t have symptoms in the early stages. So, you may not know there’s a problem until it’s too late to do anything about it. That’s why it’s crucial to get your eyes checked every year.
If you wear glasses or contacts, you’ll need to get them checked more often. This is because your prescription may change over time, and you’ll need to update your glasses or contacts accordingly. You should also check your eyes if you have vision problems, such as difficulty reading or seeing at night.
If you have a family history of eye disease, you may be at higher risk for certain conditions. For example, if your parent or grandparent had glaucoma, you may be more likely to get it. So, be sure to tell your eye doctor about any family history of eye disease. They may recommend you get more frequent eye exams or screenings for specific conditions.
Wear Sunglasses
You must also protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses outdoors. This is especially important in the summer when the sun’s rays are strongest. But you should wear them year-round to protect your eyes from UV rays. Look for sunglasses that block out 99% of UV rays. And make sure they fit well, so they don’t fall off your head.
You should also teach your children to wear sunglasses. They may not like them initially, but getting them in the habit of wearing them is essential. You can even buy fun sunglasses for them to wear, so they’ll be more likely to keep them on.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Another way to protect your eyes is to eat a healthy diet. This means eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. These foods contain nutrients that are good for your eyesight, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. So, make sure to include them in your family diet.
You can also take supplements to get these nutrients. But it’s always best to get them from food first. If you do take supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor first. This is because some nutrients can be harmful in high doses.
Teach Your Children Good Eye Health Habits
Finally, you should teach your children good habits for eye health. This includes not rubbing their eyes and washing their hands often. Rubbing the eyes can irritate them and make them more susceptible to infection.
Your children must wash their hands often because bacteria and viruses can cause eye infections when they touch their eyes. Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. You should also have them use hand sanitizer when they’re in a place where there’s no soap and water available. By teaching your children good habits now, you can help them avoid vision problems in the future.
When You Need Glasses or Contacts
If you or your child needs glasses or contacts, it’s essential to get them fitted properly. This is because poorly fitting glasses or contacts can cause vision problems. They can also be uncomfortable to wear and can even cause eye irritation.
If you’re getting new glasses, go to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can help you find the correct frame size and shape for your facial shape. They can also help you choose the right lenses for your prescription. If you’re getting new contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor about which type is best for you.
You may also consider consulting an eye surgeon for corrective eye surgery. LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is one of the most common corrective laser eye surgery and lasts for less than an hour. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and return your 20/20 vision.
Keep Your Family’s Eyes Healthy
The most important thing you can do for your family’s eye health is to get regular eye exams. This way, you can catch any vision problems early and get treatment if necessary. You should also teach your children good habits for eye health. This includes wearing sunglasses year-round to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. They must also eat a healthy diet, wash their hands often, and not rub their eyes.
If you have vision problems and need glasses or contact lenses, ensure that you get fitted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. You may also consult a LASIK surgeon for corrective eye surgery. Following these tips can help keep your family’s eyes healthy.
