Check yearly, see clearly

As we move into a new year, I am sure you are setting new goals for 2014. Remember to set some goals for your eye health.

Did you know that every five seconds someone somewhere around the world goes blind? Also, every minute a child somewhere in the world goes blind.{{more}}

For 2014….Here are 10 ways you can look after your eyes:

1. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

• Don’t forget to drink WATER

2. Get an Eye Exam, No Matter Your Age

Also UV rays come from highly reflective surfaces. Use a UV filter such as Sunglasses.

4. Exercise

5. Wash Your Hands Frequently and Don’t Rub Your Eyes!!

Washing your hands frequently greatly reduces your risk of eye infections.

Do not rub your eyes, especially when wearing contact lenses.

6. Use Computers cautiously

Working at the computer all day is a physically demanding job.

This can affect your mental and physical well-being and can impact on productivity.

• Check your Posture.

• Blink frequently. Use Lubricants

• 20/20 rule – Every 20 minutes, look 20ft away for 20 seconds

• Avoid air drafts

• Use special coatings on glasses

8. Manage Your Chronic Disease

Diabetics, Hypertensives, glaucoma patients and people with chronic diseases should check more frequently.

9. Use Eye Protection

Many high-risk occupations such as welding, use of chemicals, use of weed whackers and lawnmowers require safety eyewear. Also high impact sports activities such as racquetball, squash, tennis and even basketball require the use of safety eyewear.

10. Check Your Medication

Know your medication. Know the side effects and proper dosage.

Tell your ophthalmologist about any medications you are taking at each visit.

Follow these tips and you will enjoy great eye sight for many years to come.

Have a Happy New Year.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210