Making your eye health a priority can go a long way in promoting overall wellness. To get started, here are five things you can do right now to help keep your eyes healthy:
Don’t leave anything to chance: get your eyes checked. This is a big one. Book a regular eye exam with an optometrist at least once every two years.
Soaking up some vitamin D? Protect your eyes from the sun. Stay safe by wearing a hat with a brim and choosing sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from UV rays.
Too much screen time? Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, shift the eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a chance to rest.
The facts and figures don’t lie: it’s a great idea to stop smoking. People who smoke are three to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. Still not convinced? Smoking is the #1 cause of significant sight loss for people over 50 in Canada.
Never forget eye safety. Whether you’re playing sports or working with power tools, protect your eyes with Canadian Standards Association-approved safety glasses or goggles. You can find some in most hardware and sporting-goods stores!