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People often take their eyesight for granted. As people age, many will notice their vision change over time. There are preventive measures you can take to keep your eyes healthy.
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When it comes to your eye health, Dr. William Brown, a Mayo Clinic optometrist, is quite clear in his recommendations.
"Don’t smoke, eat a well-balanced, healthy diet and wear sunglasses outside," says Dr. Brown.
The nicotine in cigarettes, says Dr. Brown, robs the blood of oxygen. "It constricts blood vessels, and so, basically, it reduces the blood flow to all parts of the body."
Dr. Brown says exercise and diet are important to maintaining overall good eye health. And don’t be shy about wearing your sunglasses.
"Sunglasses absorb ultraviolet light, and, particularly in the young patient where the eye is more susceptible to ultraviolet, that can help reduce the harmful effects of light on the retina," says Dr. Brown. "It's a cumulative thing throughout our lifetime."
