5 New Year's Resolutions for Good Eye Health

A perfect time to address your visual needs

• Wear Sunglasses Every Day

From the first day of the year to the last, your eyes need protection from harmful UV rays. UV damage can lead to cataracts. pterygium ( a wing of tissue growing over the eye - causes astigmatism) and macular degeneration quickly becoming the leading cause of blindness. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB rays. You'll find the latest designer sunglasses at our office; pls speak to our optician.

• Care for Your Contact Lenses

Proper care of contact lenses prevents infection. We love daily replacement modality; But if you wear a 2 week or monthly replacement lens, resolve to always wash your hands before touching lenses, use only approved contact lens solutions, follow disposal instructions, change the lens case at least every three months and remove lenses before swimming or sleeping (unless otherwise instructed).

• Protect Eyes from Injury

Every year more than 40 percent of eye injuries occur from sports and recreation, cites the American Academy of Ophthalmology; 90 percent are preventable with proper protective eyewear. For jobs around the house including yard work and DIY projects, wear ANSI-approved protective eyewear. For athletic activity, wear sport-specific eyewear approved by the ASTM. If you need prescription protective eyewear, our doctor can prescribe the right fit.

• Diet for Your Eyes

Eating a healthy diet for your eyes helps prevent diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. Feast on cold-water fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Eat leafy greens, whole grains, and citrus fruits, which have vitamins important to eye health. Consider trying new meals with eggs, beef, beans, legumes and colorful fruits and veggies.

• Schedule Your Annual eye exam

An annual eye exam is a great way for your optometrist to get a clear picture of your vision health and find ways to improve it — helping you to see better and manage your overall wellness for the future. Diabetes, high blood pressure and many other systemic conditions may have an e-fect on your vision or on the health of the eye. -

Please call us at 704-756-3221 to schedule your next visit.