The beginning of a new year is a good time to make plans to improve your lifestyle. You will enjoy your life more if you adopt habits that promote overall wellness. Taking care of your eye health should be at the top of your list this year. 

Protecting your eyes and vision will help lower the risk of developing different eye diseases. Here is an eye health checklist for a healthier new year. 

Embrace a Healthy Diet

There are good reasons to prioritize eating a healthy diet, and one of them is for healthy eyes. Consider incorporating more nuts, fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens into your diet. This will help reduce the risk of developing serious eye diseases like macular degeneration. 
 

Leafy green vegetables contain essential antioxidants that are also present in the macula. Talk to a doctor about the best eye-health diet. 

Reduce Your Screen Time

A common reason for poor eye health is prolonged digital screen use. As the use of technology grows, many people are finding themselves with poor vision. Digital eyestrain is a common complaint among people of all ages. 

You may not avoid using a computer entirely, but you can reduce the time spent on the devices. Do your eyes a favor and cut down the hours spent on social media or playing online games.

Always Wear Sunglasses

This should be the year when you wear UV sunglasses as often as possible. UV rays are harmful not just to the skin but also to the eyes. UV-A and UV-B rays are major contributors to eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and more. 

Resolve to wear sunglasses every time you are outdoors during the day. Make sure that you invest in sunglasses that block out the harmful rays. 

Protective Eyewear

If you are involved in contact sports or activities that can be labor-intensive, make sure to protect your eyes. There are household projects that can expose your eyes to harm from debris, chemicals, and other contaminants. 

Wearing protective eye gear will help keep your eyes safe from injury and other dangers. You can find the protective gear specific to your sport or activity. Choose eye protection that meets safety guidelines.

Schedule an Eye Exam

Your checklist will not be complete without including an eye exam. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible if you did not get one last year. Do not wait until you experience eye problems before visiting an eye doctor. 

Regular eye exams are preventive, helping detect eye problems early enough. Early detection helps improve the chances of getting effective treatment. 

Get Informed 

Make it a point to educate yourself about eye health and common eye conditions. Information will help you recognize changes that you experience in your vision. Early detection of eye conditions can prevent or improve their treatment. In the event of changes in your vision, visit an eye doctor immediately.

Other practices will help improve your eye health this year. They include quitting smoking and resting your eyes more often. 

For more on the eye health checklist for a healthier new year, visit City Eyes Optometry Center at our office in Sherman Oaks, California. You can call (818) 960-1300 today to schedule an appointment.