Did you know that chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can impact your eye health and vision? These common health issues can increase your risk for serious eye problems over time. Since July is Healthy Vision Month, Delta Dental has provided some tips that can help us with digital eye strain. A few simple lifestyle habits can go a long way in protecting your sight.
- Scheduling routine eye exams – Exams can help with detecting vision & eye problems early, along with deducting larger health issues like high cholesterol, glaucoma, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. It’s always important to consult with your eye-care professional at least once a year to take control of your eye health.
- Limiting screen time – As we may know, too much screen time can harm our eyes, while also leading to headaches and poor sleep quality. The 20-20-20 rule is one of the best ways to protect our eyes from extra strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This may seem simple but can relax our eye muscles and reduce fatigue!
- Optimize your workplace – Most of us are working on a computer screen throughout our day. Changing our screen brightness for comfortable viewing, repositioning our screen about 20 inches away, and adjusting the light sources around the screen can alleviate any eye strain.
Move More:
Incorporating regular physical activity like walking, yoga, or strength training can help lower your risk of developing these conditions and support overall eye health.
Eat for Your Eyes:
Your eyes thrive on a healthy diet! Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids can help ease dry eye symptoms and support retinal function. Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are great sources and easy to add to your meals.
Protect Your Future Vision:
A balanced diet and active lifestyle can help prevent vision-threatening conditions such as glaucoma, which often has no early symptoms but can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Polarized or Non-Polarized?
While polarized sunglasses do not offer more UV protection than your standard pair of sunglasses, polarized glasses can minimize eye strain by filtering out the reflected light. While having polarized sunglasses, it can also reduce glare, and improve visual clarity especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors.
According to the Eye Care Center, regardless if your sunglasses are polarized or not, the important thing to confirm is that your sunglasses protect against 100% of UV light. When looking for your next pair, be sure to check the label that shows UV protection or “UV400”. UVA light can penetrate the skin causing wrinkles and aging skin while UVB light can lead to skin cancer and sunburn. When you find sunglasses that protect and filter 100% of UV light, not only are your eyes protected, but the sunglasses will also protect the skin surrounding your eyes.
Upcoming Wellness Events
July 16, 12:00 – 1:00p.m., & July 21, 3:00 – 4:00p.m.,
Dark Green Vegetables
Color is used to categorize vegetables by nutrition content. Dark Green and Red & Orange get special attention. Learn which vegetables fit into different color categories and why getting to know your “Dark Greens” is worth it.
August 6, 12:00 – 1:00p.m., & August 27, 12:30 – 1:30p.m.,
My Aching Neck: What to Know about Cervical Spine Problems
This virtual wellness presentation offers an overview of common cervical spine problems, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options—helping you understand what’s behind the discomfort and how to find relief. Join this presentation from Rothman Orthopedics, Dr. Mangan.
September 9, 3:30 – 4:30p.m., & September 17, 1:00 – 2:00p.m.,
Budget Bites: Nutritious Meals for Less
Master the art of having balanced meals without breaking the bank. This program offers practical tips for budget-conscious shopping, easy and economical recipes, and clever ways to cut food waste while enriching your diet. Eat well for less!
September 29 – World Heart Day
Monuments around the world light up red to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease.