On behalf of the entire Eyesthetica team, our Los Angeles oculoplastic specialists would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year! As the beginning of any year is a popular time to set goals and resolutions for the next 12 months, we encourage you to consider your eye health. In this blog post, we want to suggest some goals to make for the benefit of the health and wellness of your eyes.
Eat Nutritious, Vitamin-Rich Foods
Perhaps you’ve already resolved to eat better for weight loss reasons. But did you know that eating healthy is good for your eyesight? Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale, collard greens), salmon, and walnuts are especially beneficial to the health of your eyes because they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
In addition to consuming nutrients that are good for your eye health, eating nutritiously helps to keep your weight stable. Being overweight increases your chances of developing a condition that could lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
Quit Smoking
Another resolution that may already be on your list for other reasons is to quit smoking. Nicotine is extremely dangerous to the health of your eyes and your eyesight. Studies show that smoking increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Left untreated, these eye diseases can lead to blindness. Work with your primary physician to design a smoking cessation plan.
Buy a Great Pair of Shades
Especially in a climate like Southern California, it is important to protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Otherwise, the sun could damage your eyes and lead to the development of pterygium, cataracts, and other harmful conditions. If you tend to forget to wear your sunglasses outdoors, buy a great pair of shades that motivate you to wear them regularly. Make sure that any lenses you buy have UV protection.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
Do you spend a lot of your day staring at your computer or smartphone? Prevent digital eyestrain by giving your eyes a periodic break. Every 20 minutes, focus on an object approximately 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can prevent you from developing aches, pains, and other symptoms of eyestrain.
Have a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Annual dilated eye exams are critical to detecting potential problems in their earliest stages and treating them before they significantly affect eyesight. Schedule your 2017 comprehensive exam with an eye care professional as soon as possible.
Contact Eyesthetica
If you would like to speak with our oculoplastic surgeons about a problem you are experiencing or about simply rejuvenating your eye appearance in 2017, please contact us by calling (213) 451-6824 or via email.