It is important to maintain eye health to prevent degeneration of the eyes; this is done with a combination of protecting the eyes from sun damage or injury, and visiting an ophthalmologist regularly to check for diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. Maintaining eye health is largely a matter of common sense and not straining the eyes. For instance, it is important to wear sunglasses whenever one is going out into the sun.
One of the most important ways to maintain eye health is to protect the eyes against sunlight, which can cause permanent injury to the eyes. Choose dark sunglasses that are rated for 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, and wear them whether driving or walking outside. These will help to protect not just the eyes themselves, but the delicate skin around the eyes, which can easily become wrinkled and damaged if exposed to the sun.
Protecting the eyes when doing any type of work outside is important for maintaining eye health as well. This means wearing protective goggles or glasses while mowing the lawn, for instance, or while using power tools. If a workplace offers protective goggles to be worn while working, it is important to always wear them at that time as well. This will protect anything from causing physical damage to the eye.
Experts recommend visiting an ophthalmologist every year or two for a regular examination; younger people generally do not need to go more than once every few years unless they notice a problem with their eyes, or a change in eyesight. A doctor will be able to perform tests to determine whether or not eye issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration are occurring. It is important to catch all of these conditions early in order to receive treatment. If one has diabetes, it is important to get regular eye exams because diabetes frequently leads to glaucoma.
Finally, maintain eye health by treating the eyes well throughout the day. Do not sit too close to a television or computer monitor, and be sure to take breaks to give the eyes a rest. Wear glasses if necessary, and only wear contacts as long as necessary if they start to dry out or irritate the eyes. Eye drops may be used occasionally, but it is best to simply allow the eyes to rest if they are irritated and dry than to add medication.
