5 Vision-Saving Tips for National Save Your Vision Month

March is here. And you know what that means… It's National Save Your Vision Month! In keeping with this special month, we've put together a list of 5 essential ways that you can 'save your vision.' It goes without saying that routine eye exams are a top priority when it comes to taking care of your eyes, so here are 5 additional things you can do.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Did you know that certain foods actually promote eye health and can lower your risk of eye disease? Eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins A, B, C and E, can protect your eye health and help save your vision from sight-threatening eye diseases, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. If you don't think your daily meals offer enough of these essential vitamins and nutrients, ask your doctor whether you should add a daily supplement to your diet.

2. Limit Screen Time

Not only can too much screen time affect productivity in work and school, but it can also result in dry, red, irritated eyes, blurry vision, headaches, neck, back and shoulder pain, and even have a negative effect on your mood and quality of sleep. So this month, take it upon yourself to be more aware of how much time you spend in front of a digital screen, and try to set boundaries whenever possible. You can also practice the 20-20-20 rule.

3. Use Protective Eyewear

Every day, thousands of people receive emergency care for an eye-related accident — many of them resulting in permanent damage and vision loss. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by wearing protective eyewear for all activities that pose an eye health risk — from sports to home-improvement projects.

4. Wear Sunglasses All Year Round

Sunglasses shield your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can damage your vision and lead to serious eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Just make sure they offer 100% UV protection, and wear them year-round, even on cloudy and snowy days.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking increases your risk for sight-threatening eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. So, for the sake of your vision and overall health, take the first steps toward kicking your smoking habit.

Interested in learning more about how you can protect your eyes and vision? Contact Grove City Vision Center in Grove City today to schedule an appointment.