10 ways to care for your eyes

Dear Readers,

As we move into a new year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting me in 2010. I hope you enjoyed the articles as much as I did writing them.{{more}}

I am sure you are setting new goals for 2011. Remember to set some goals for your eye health.

Going into 2011, here are 10 ways you can look after your eyes:

1. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and Vitamins.

• Take multivitamins eg. Ocuvite/ ICaps

• Don’t forget to drink lots of WATER.

2. Get an Eye Exam, No Matter Your Age

Get an eye examination at least once every two years.

• Some people may need more frequent examinations.

3. Protect your eyes from the sun

• Harmful UV-A and UV-B light can cause cataracts, pterygium and skin cancer.

Also UV rays come from highly reflective surfaces. Use a UV filter such as Sunglasses.

4. Exercise

Routine exercise improves your blood circulation and oxygen, which in turn improves eye performance. Strive to exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day.

5. Wash Your Hands Frequently and Don’t Rub your eyes!!

Washing your hands frequently greatly reduces your risk of eye infections.

Do not rub your eyes especially when wearing contact lenses.

6. Use Computers cautiously

Working at the computer all day is a physically demanding job.

This can affect your mental and physical well-being and can impact on productivity.

Here are some tips to prevent problems:

• Avoid glare

• Check your posture

• Blink frequently. Use lubricants

• 20/20 rule- Every 20 minutes, look 20ft away for 20 seconds

• Avoid air drafts

• Use special coatings on glasses

7. Stop smoking

• Smoking has been strongly linked to the development of age-related macular degeneration and Cataracts.

8. Manage Your Chronic disease

Diabetics, Hypertensives, glaucoma patients and people with chronic diseases should check more frequently.

9. Use Eye Protection

Many high-risk occupations, such as welding, use of chemicals, use of weed whackers and lawnmowers require safety eyewear. Also, high impact sports activities such as racquetball, squash, tennis and even basketball require the use of safety eyewear.

10. Check Your Medication

Know your medication. Know the side effects and proper dosage.

Tell your ophthalmologist about any medications you are taking at each visit.

Follow these tips and you will enjoy great eye-sight for many years to come.

I wish you and yours a happy and prosperous New Year.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210