You probably check the eyesight of dozens of patients each day during a routine check-up. However, do you ever take the time to monitor your own eyesight? It’s no secret that eyesight is an important part of our everyday life, and as a physician, it’s crucial that you’re able to properly see to make diagnoses. Cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts. This is just one eye ailment of the many that could affect you if you don’t maintain good eye health. Luckily, there are a variety of ways that both you and your patients can practice good eye health. Let’s SEE some great tips for healthy eyesight!
Tips For Healthy Eyesight
Focus On Healthy Food…
We know it can be tough to snag a healthy meal while working long shifts, but what you eat during the day can actually really help your eyesight. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to promote eye health. Dark leafy greens, in particular — including collard greens, kale, and spinach — contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that help to prevent the formation of cataracts. Fish and other foods containing Omega-3’s have also been linked to eye health as well. Try to pack healthy foods that promote eye health.
…And Also the Unhealthy Food
When it comes to tips for healthy eyesight, what NOT to eat can be just as important. Eating too many fatty foods can lead to obesity, which can, in turn, lead to eye issues. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. There’s also been research that shows that significant weight loss can actually reverse the effects of obesity and diabetes. When you’re packing your meals or snacking in between shifts, make sure you’re making the right choices!
Know When to Get Glasses
This is probably one of the best tips for healthy eyesight that we can give you. There have been too many cases where people are too stubborn to get glasses, and ultimately make his or her eyesight worse than it needs to be. Straining your eyes can weaken the muscles in your eyes. If you find yourself squinting or getting headaches after reading for extended periods of time, you might need glasses. There’s no shame in needing glasses, even as a physician.
It’s also important to be aware of digital eyestrain. Digital eyestrain is an increasing problem today. Digital screens produce blue light, harmful light waves that penetrate deep within your eyes and can cause permanent damage. Ways to reduce digital eyestrain include adjusting your computer monitor, wearing blue light filtering lenses, using anti-glare screens, and downloading blue light filters for your electronic devices. You most likely spend a lot of time looking at patients info via screens, so make sure you’re aware of eyestrain.
Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
We’re sure that you constantly remind your patients about making yearly appointments. It’s time that you take your own advice. When it comes to tips for healthy eyesight, checking in with your eye doctor on a regular basis should be at the top of the list. Eye exams help detect eye diseases like glaucoma, which often have no symptoms, as well as refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. An eye exam is also a window into your overall health. It is not uncommon for ophthalmologists to identify chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension because these diseases often affect the eyes. So get a comprehensive eye exam for your overall wellness
If you have other suggestions on how to maintain good eye health, feel free to leave a comment below!
