Maintaining Good Eye Health

Don't take your eye health for granted. Protect your eyesight with these six tips:

1. Eat for Good Vision
Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty
acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular
degeneration and cataracts. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:
Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources

Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which makes you less likely to get obesity-
related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Quit Smoking for Better Eyesight
Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to
quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. Studies show that the more times you try to quit
smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.

3. Wear Sunglasses for Good Vision
The right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Too much UV exposure makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration.
Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from
the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare when driving.
If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for more
protection.

4. Use Safety Eyewear at Home, at Work, and While Playing Sports
If you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every
time.
Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection (such
as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

5. Look Away From the Computer for Good Eye Health
Staring at a computer screen can cause:
Eyestrain
Blurry vision
Difficulty focusing at a distance
Dry eyes
Headaches