When people think about getting healthy, they usually relate it to exercising more, adopting a better diet, or getting their regular check-ups. However, one aspect that tends to be overlooked is eye health.
Why Eye Health Matters
The adage goes, “The eyes are a window to the soul.” That’s pretty accurate. This is why regular eye exams are so important – they don’t just check for issues with your vision, they also are a means of detecting early signs of other ailments:
- Diabetes: You have blood vessels in your retina, and when someone has diabetes, it can lead to changes in the blood sugar, which impacts these blood vessels. This can lead to diabetic retinopathy.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension also causes issues with the retinal blood vessels, and sometimes this occurs before a person experiences any other symptoms.
- Neurological Issues: Sometimes your vision can be altered due to a brain tumor or conditions like multiple sclerosis, and your modified vision may be the first symptom.
Lifestyle and Eye Health
Maintaining good eye health doesn’t have to be a chore. Simple changes and positive lifestyle choices can make a significant difference:
- Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods – Foods that have vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for your vision. This includes food like leafy greens, salmon, eggs, and citrus fruits.
- Stay Active – Regular exercise helps to improve circulation, which benefits your eyes and overall health.
- Protect Your Eyes – Wear sunglasses to block UV rays and practice safe screen habits to protect yourself from digital eye strain.
- Avoid Smoking – Smoking increases your risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases.
- Manage Chronic Conditions – When you work to keep conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes at bay, you are also supporting your eye health.
- Regular Eye Exams – Adults should schedule an eye exam at least every year or every other year, while children and senior citizens may need more frequent visits.
Final Thoughts
Your eyes are an essential part of your overall wellness. By doing the work to protect your vision, you are also investing in your long-term health. Don’t wait for something bad to happen, schedule regular eye exams and adopt healthy lifestyle habits today.
Are you in need of affordable vision coverage? Contact us today for a free quote!