Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your vision and prevent blindness. A good example of preventive vision care is your annual visit to the eye doctor for an eye exam. Otherwise, you may not ever think about your eye health.

Maybe you do not realize that your vision changes as you age. In elder years, many people experience blindness, a condition you can work to prevent by following some eye health recommendations. We explore some of those preventive measures to protect your vision and prevent blindness, below.
 

Eat Foods that Promote Good Eye Health

What you eat is important to protect your vision. Many foods can even help prevent blindness. The best foods for eye health include:

• Green leafy vegetables for lutein and zeaxanthin

• Bright yellow and orange vegetables for vitamin A

• Strawberries, mangoes and oranges for vitamin C and antioxidants

• Salmon and other cold-water fish for omega 3s
   

Lutein and zeaxanthin reduce your risk for eye diseases. Vitamin A, vitamin C and other antioxidants also promote good eye health and reduce disease risk. For tear production and relief from dry eyes, indulge in fish containing omega 3 fatty acids.
 

Stop Smoking

Smoking enables cyanide from the smoke to enter your bloodstream. Once in your blood, the vascular system sends this cyanide to your eye cells easily damaged by the toxin. By smoking, you also increase your potential for cataracts, dry eyes and macular degeneration.
 

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

A great way to prevent blindness and protect your vision is to shield your eyes from UV rays. You can prevent cancers that damage your eyes by starting in your eyelids, such as carcinoma and melanoma. Simply wear sunglasses and wear sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid using tanning beds, too. But if you do use these sunlamps, wear appropriate eye protection.
 

Use the 20-20-20 Rule for Computer Use

Did you know that working on your computer all day can cause eye health problems? In fact, it is a leading cause of dry eyes. Dry eyes also occur from certain medications and hormonal changes of aging.

To prevent dry eyes and protect your vision, use the 20-20-20 rule when working on a computer. This rule involves looking away from your computer screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at an object 20 or more feet away. You can also use artificial tears recommended by your eye doctor to protect your eyes from dryness.
 

Control Your Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. This makes preventing diabetes an important method to prevent blindness. If you already have diabetes, control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. If you receive a diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, ask about having laser surgery to stop its progression and protect your vision.

Glaucoma is another common eye health problem for people with diabetes, as well as non-diabetics with a family history of the condition. To protect your vision and prevent blindness, see your eye doctor regularly. If you receive a glaucoma diagnosis, use prescribed eye drops to reduce damaging eye pressure or discuss glaucoma surgery with your ophthalmologist.
 

Get Treated for Cataracts

If you have cataracts, you have one of the most common eye health problems related to aging. The good news? Treatment works. Eat healthy foods proven to be good for your eyes and avoid exposure to UV rays for prevention. Undergo cataract treatment if your eye doctor diagnoses this common cause of blindness in your eyes.
 

See Your Eye Doctor at Least Once Every Year or Two Years

Depending on your age, you should see your eye doctor at least once yearly or every two years. Talk to your eye doctor about ways to protect your vision and prevent blindness. In North Carolina and the Hampton Roads of Virginia, visit Clarity Vision Eye Health Centers for your eye exam and a broad range of prescription eyewear. Locations include:

• Smithfield, NC

• Apex, NC

• Williamston, NC

• Clayton, NC

• Holly Springs, NC

• Suffolk, VA

Schedule your visit with Clarity Vision today.