Self Help

Protective Eyewear
You should always wear the proper protective eyewear on the job, while doing potentially hazardous tasks at home such as pounding nails or working with chemicals, and while playing sports with high risk of eye injury like basketball, racquetball, tennis, or baseball.

Over exposure to the Ultra Violet portion of sunlight has been shown to be damaging to the skin and eyes.  Sunglasses with protection from both UVA and UVB may help prevent eye diseases like macular degeneration, or cataracts.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking is damaging to the blood supply.  Smoking exposes the body to free radicals which cause cellular damage.  Smoking can cause high cholesterol levels and poor circulation of nutrients to the retina and lens.  Levels of vitamins and minerals vital to the eye are also significantly reduced.  As a result, smoking increases the risk factor for cataracts more than three times, and macular degeneration more than 2.5 times.
Scientific data shows alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cataracts.  Excessive consumption of alcohol causes a poor nutrient supply and excess toxins which may be responsible for the increased risk.  More than 1 alcoholic drink per day can increase your risk for cataracts two to four times.

A Balanced Diet
Nutritional imbalances in the circulatory system can affect the eye.  The retina needs a good supply of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, phytochemicals and antioxidants (vitamin A, E, & C) to remain healthy.  Vitamins and minerals classed as antioxidants also help protect the body's cells from free radical and oxidative damage.  Free radicals caused by UV rays, the body's metabolism, a diet high in saturated fat, and pollution can cause cellular damage.  Vitamins and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens have been shown to be good for our health and vision.  Research has shown that an intake of 3 to 6 servings of fruit and vegetables each day and a daily serving of leafy greens, such as broccoli or spinach, can greatly reduce risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

If you have special dietary needs it is very important to stick to your specially recommended diet.  If, for example, you are a diabetic patient, deviation from your doctor-recommended diet may result in a high blood sugar level.  High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the eye vessels.  The accumulation of some sugars in the blood leads to formation of sugar alcohols in the lens which causes swelling and rupturing of the lens cells.  If blood sugars remain high for a period of time, diabetic retinopathy can develop and cause blindness.  Diabetes is the leading cause of visual impairment in the US among patients below the age of 50.

Exercise
Maintaining good circulation is important for overall health and especially important for the health of your eyes.  The eyes need a good blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eye.  Physical activity helps maintain good circulation and may also prevent stiffening of the blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, which in turn promote good eye health.  Scientific studies have shown that regular physical activity at least four times a week can lower the intraocular eye pressure and reduce the risk of glaucoma.  Physical activity may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Jogging, walking, swimming, biking, and playing basketball, soccer or tennis are just a few examples of some fun and beneficial activities which can help improve your health.

High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure causes damage to blood vessels, which may cause cholesterol build up.  High blood pressure increases the risk for heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and eye disease such as macular degeneration.  The scientific research shows you nearly double your risk for macular degeneration with a high blood pressure (>155 mmHg systolic).

High blood cholesterol can greatly interfere with the circulation to the eye.  A diet that is high in cholesterol and saturated fat significantly increases the level of cholesterol in the blood.  Research has discovered a significant correlation between eye diseases and blood lipid levels.

Eye Strain
If you work extensively with a computer monitor, video display, or anything that requires prolonged close focus, it is recommended that you look up from the screen and across or around the room occasionally to relieve your eyes from strain.  Relieving your eyes from constant strain can help to prevent your near or farsightedness from degrading further and will also keep you from developing headaches every day.

An Apple a Day
Please be aware that while the measures suggested here can help you to maintain good eye and overall health, they should not be considered a substitute to regular examinations and quality medical care.  If you begin to experience any problems with your vision, such as double vision, blurring, or floaters, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.