May is nationally recognized as Healthy Vision Month. Ophthalmologists are always thinking about ways to improve their patients’ eye health and vision, and this month in particular helps to shine a light on those issues. Please keep reading for helpful tips and information.
If you have any questions at all about LASIK, cataracts, eye diseases or eye health, please feel free to call our practice at 251-341-3385. Dr. Chris Walton is an experienced ophthalmologist who has been providing care to patients in the Gulf Coast for more than a decade.
Tips for Better Eye Health
There are many ways you can promote better eye health and vision. The following are a few main points we’d like to highlight.
Treatment for cataracts is important. Left untreated, cataracts will continue to progress, eventually leading to blindness. Cataract surgery is an effective procedure that replaces the clouded lens with a clear, premium implantable lens.
LASIK can correct refractive errors. The CDC estimates about 11 million Americans age 12 and older would have better vision if they got LASIK (although you must be 18 or older for LASIK) or corrective lenses. LASIK performed by Dr. Walton is a great way to reduce or totally eliminate your need for corrective lenses.
The following are several everyday tips for protecting your eyes and promoting eye health:
- Wear sunglasses. The sun’s UV rays, for extended periods of time, can ultimately increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems. There’s also research showing that moderate amounts of unblocked sunshine is good for your eyes. But if you’ll be out for several hours, be sure to wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule. If your job involves a lot of computer work or work where you are visually honed in on what you are doing and not much else, then follow this rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Doing so reduces eyestrain. You may find your eyes are less achy and dry at the end of the work day if you follow the 20-20-20 rule.
- Eat foods that are good for your eyes. Fruits and vegetables are good for your eyes and vision, particularly dark leafy greens. Eating a variety of produce is the best way to promote eye health. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to be good for your eyes.
- Wear eye protection when appropriate. Safety goggles and safety glasses should be worn for certain types of jobs and housework/yard work that involves heavy machinery and or anything that could send debris or projectiles toward your eyes.
- Get more active. Physical activity, even just a 30-minute walk every day, reduces stress, improves your mood and can help you stay at a healthy body weight, all things which may contribute to healthy eyes.
Learn More About Ophthalmological Services in Mobile
If you have any questions about your vision or eye health, or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Walton in Mobile, Alabama, please call our ophthalmology practice at 251-341-3385. We proudly provide eye care and eye surgery for people from across Alabama and the Gulf Coast area.