Eye Health Checklist for a Healthier New Year

2022 is underway, but there is still time to make a fresh start. Most people decide to make some changes in their lifestyle to improve their health. Research has shown that the most popular new year resolutions are health-related. 

Your commitment to focus on your health should include taking care of your eyes. There are lifestyle habits that can have a positive impact on your sight. Here is an eye health checklist for a healthier new year. 

Love Those Veggies!

The beginning of the year is a good time to embrace a new diet. Choose a diet rich in essential vitamins, beta carotene, zeaxanthin, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy diet will help protect your eyes from vision loss and enhance your overall eye health. 

You can guard against eye diseases like macular degeneration by eating more green leafy vegetables, fish, and fruits. You should also avoid processed foods, sugar, and soft drinks.

Get More Active! 

Make it a point to exercise more this year. Getting 30 minutes of daily exercise will help keep you healthy. Having normal blood pressure and a healthy weight will help improve your eye health. 

Activity is key for keeping away health conditions that harm your eyes. You do not have to go to the gym to get much-needed exercise. You can choose to start walking more. Cycle to work instead of driving and your eyes will thank you.  

Quit the Tobacco Habit

If you are still smoking, make this new year your season to quit. Smoking and using tobacco products is bad for your overall health. Studies have shown that smoking can increase your risk of macula deterioration. 

Reduced oxygen and blood flow to the eyes and an increase of chemical compounds in your bloodstream harm the eyes. If quitting the tobacco habit proves to be difficult, get professional help. 

Keep Your Sunglasses On

The fashionable sunglasses available should be an incentive to wear them more often. Apart from looking great, you will be protecting your eyes from harmful sun rays. UV rays can harm the eyes even in winter. 

High levels of harmful rays can cause serious eye health problems. Prolonged exposure to the rays can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure to invest in good-quality sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. 

Routine Eye Exam

An annual eye exam is vital, even if you do not have eye problems. Scheduling routine eye exams will help prevent or treat eye complications. Early detection of eye problems is essential for successful treatment. Do not wait until your vision begins to fail to schedule an exam. Talk to your eye doctor about the best time to schedule an eye exam. This is especially important as you get older.

Vision loss is a common problem and is becoming an issue of concern. The beginning of a year is a good time to start doing things right. Having healthy eyes will help enhance the quality of your life. A healthy lifestyle will benefit your entire body. 

For more on eye health checklists, visit Davie Family Eye Care at our office in Davie, Florida. You can call (754) 238-5360 today to schedule an appointment.