Different seasons require different ways to keep your eye healthy. Use this checklist to help keep your healthy eyes and maybe improve your vision throughout the year.
Winter
Eat healthily. The holidays can be tempting for poor choices of diet. Make sure to eat plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids for good eye health.
Quit smoking. Smoking harms almost all the organs in the body. Smokers are 4 times more vulnerable to blindness in old age. Try to make it a New Year’s resolution to kick the habit.
Vision insurance. This is a good time for family eye exams and to take advantage of insurance benefits that are about to expire by the end of the year.
Spring
Allergy relief. Seasonal allergies can cause itchy eyes and a runny nose. Pay attention to triggers of your allergies to help you know what to avoid.
Update your eyewear. It is the best time to update your prescription glasses and upgrade your frames with the latest spring fashion trends. Strap on some safety goggles before spraying cleaning supplies, repairing your home, or mowing the lawn.
Consider donating your old eyewear to someone in need and change the life of someone who cannot afford an eye exam or eyewear.
Summer
Sun protection. Remember that UV rays can cause damage to the eyes even on cloudy days which makes sunglasses an essential whole year-round. Wearing sunglasses protects you from sun-induced cataracts and macular degeneration.
Swim goggles. Never wear contacts while submerging in water. Wearing goggles protect your eyes against waterborne bacteria that can cause sight-threatening diseases. You may also look into prescription goggles that can correct your vision while protecting your eyes underwater.
Eye exams. Before kids go back to school, have them undergo comprehensive eye exams to help detect any vision problems that can hinder learning.
Autumn
Rest your eyes. If you are working mostly in front of a computer, do not forget to rest your eyes. Follow the “20-20-20” rule to reduce the risks of computer vision syndrome.
Stay active. Do not let the cold weather stop you from being active. Regular exercise helps against diabetes, macular degeneration, and more.
Stay hydrated. Drink enough water to produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable and avoid redness, dryness, and puffy eyelids.
While shopping for new eyewear, consider buying or donating eyewear to a friend or family who cannot afford it. Gift ideas like reading glasses or distance vision aids can change someone’s life.