1. Get regular eye checkups and don’t ignore changes in your vision. Conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can occur without exhibiting any symptoms. Talk to your optometrist about how often you should get checkups.

2. Quit smoking. Smokers are 7 times more likely to develop AMD. Eyes are susceptible to oxygen-deprivation caused by smoking. Scientists also believe the toxins in cigarettes react negatively with the eyes’ molecules.

3. Get healthy. Eye-health food contains lutein, and zeaxanthin, found in kale, brussel sprouts, grapes, green beans, peas, and peaches. Studies show they help protect the eyes against the sun’s harmful effects and may prevent the onset of eye disease, including cataracts. Exercise: excess weight and high blood pressure increase risk of AMD.

4. Use sunglasses. Choose sunglasses with at least 98% protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses that don’t provide this level of protection may actually be doing more harm than good, as the pupil of the eye opens wider with the use of sunglasses. The ultraviolet component of sunlight may contribute to cataracts, cornea damage and macular degeneration. Children’s eyes need protection: it’s never too young to start the sunglass habit. Use polycarbonate lenses, which are more shatter-resistant.

5. Wear protection. Almost 50% of eye injuries occur in the home. Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved safety glasses or goggles when playing sports or working with power tools.

6. Consider vitamins. Talk to your eye care professional about antioxidant supplements. Studies suggest a link between omega 3 fatty acids and a decreased risk of AMD. 


Screen safety
Discomfort glare, similar to what you experience when someone shines their high beams when driving at night, occurs when ambient lighting is much brighter or dimmer than your computer screen. While subtle, over time you can develop eye strain and headaches. Seeing yourself in your monitor indicates a glare problem, which can cause eye strain.

Watching television and being on the computer too long strains the eyes, causing physical fatigue. Watch TV in a softly lit room at a distance of five times the television’s diagonal size. Make sure your computer monitor is at least an arm’s length away. Look away from the screen regularly.

Pregnancy and eye health
Pregnancy can cause vision changes, although most are temporary and will disappear soon after the baby is born. The CNIB recommends paying special attention to:

• Refractive (prescription) changes: hormone changes can affect vision. It’s not usually serious or permanent but it’s advisable to have your eyes retested a few weeks after delivery
• Puffy or swollen eyelids: this is common, but not serious. Increase water intake, and lower sodium and caffeine consumption to help reduce fluid-retention swelling
• Dry eyes and contact lenses: lubricating or rewetting eye drops help. A pharmacist or eye care professional will advise a safe brand during pregnancy
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly: the natural increase in blood pressure during pregnancy may cause blurry vision or spots in your eyes. At excessive levels, high blood pressure can cause detachment of the retina
• Migraines: hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause migraine headaches, which may make eyes sensitive to light. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including those for migraines
• Glaucoma: if you’re under care for glaucoma, tell your eye care professional you’re pregnant. Some medications are harmful to developing babies
• Diabetes: whether you have diabetes already, or it develops while you’re pregnant, monitor your vision closely. Blurred vision may indicate that blood sugar levels are elevated, which could harm both your vision and the baby’s.

Eye treats
Give your eyes a treat from time to time. Place slices of cucumbers over closed eyes for 15 minutes; it’s cooling and refreshing. Place cooled green tea bags that have steeped for five minutes on closed eyes to reduce swelling or puffiness. Keep eyes healthy; give them the care they require. H&L