New year resolutions are a popular tradition at the beginning of every year. Put your eye health at the top of your plans. If you need help getting good resolutions for the year, here are some to ensure optimum eye health.

Book Your Exam

Booking regular eye exams throughout the year should be part of your eye care routine. Eye exams help assess eye health and detect potential eye conditions harmful to your vision.
 

Your eye doctor can detect diseases that would otherwise take time to show signs. Scheduling regular eye checkups entail making one phone call and making it to your appointment on time. Doing so can make an impact on your eye health.

Eat a Healthier Diet

A healthy diet is an essential resolution. It is ideal to have a nutritious diet for better vision. Meals containing the right amount of minerals and vitamins help boost eye health. They help reduce risking some eye conditions.

Vitamin C slows the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. You get plenty of its nutritious value from fruits such as oranges and strawberries. 

It is ideal to have your diet filled with vegetables and leafy greens such as broccoli and corn. Doing so will reduce the risk of developing diseases that can cause harm to your sight. Such vegetables are full of antioxidants called zeaxanthin and lutein. They are in high concentrations in your macula.

Below is a list of foods that can help boost your eye health:

• Carrots.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Blueberries.
• Leafy greens such as spinach and kale.
• Turkey.
• Eggs.
• Beef.
• Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
• Fish.
• Nuts.
• Sunflower seeds.

Consistently Wear Sunglasses

Ultraviolet rays from the sun are harmful to your skin and your eyes. UV rays contribute to severe eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Commit to consistently wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful sun rays.

Sunglasses also act as a physical barrier against airborne debris, the wind, or blowing dust that irritates the eyes. You can also cover your eyes from blowing substances that can scratch your cornea, like blowing sand. 

Reduce Your Screen Time

Most people spend most of their time staring at screens. Prolonged time looking at a smartphone or a computer can lead to digital eyestrain. You may notice symptoms such as:

• Eye irritation.
• Blurred vision.
• Double vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Red eyes.
• Headaches.

While working on your computer or using your smartphone is unavoidable, you can take a break occasionally.

Reduce Smoking and Coffee Intake

Studies show that smoking is harmful to your eye health. Cigarettes increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. The condition can cause severe vision loss. Smoking can also cause cataract development.

Macular degeneration affects your central vision, inhibiting your ability to see clearly. The development of this condition will make doing tasks such as driving and reading difficult. You may not be able to recognize faces. If you smoke, you double your chances of developing macular degeneration.

Cataracts lead to blurry vision that becomes worse over time. You may need cataract surgery to prevent vision loss. You are three times more likely to develop cataracts than a nonsmoker. The best way to protect your eye health is to quit smoking.

For more on healthy eyes, visit Insight Eyecare at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can call (702) 718-7163 today to schedule an appointment.