Staying healthy as you age is important on all fronts. Unfortunately, many overlook their eyes, even as the odds of eye diseases and ailments heighten.

But you don’t have to wait until you’re a certain age to start taking care of your eyes. Add a few of these tips to your daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly routine to keep your eyes healthy.

Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D. is an Orange County Ophthalmologist that not only treats the eyes but enjoys educating patients on preventions and long term eye care techniques.

1. Use Protective Eyewear

You don’t need to be on the shooting range or using a welding torch to wear protective eyewear. Unless you’re inside or the weather is cloudy and overcast, you should almost always use protective eyewear.

UV rays from the sun can increase the chance of macular degeneration, so sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UV rays are integral to your eye health. The same goes for other activities that put your eyes at risk. Whether playing a contact sport, using power tools, or even biking, use protective eyewear to keep your peepers safe.

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the hardest habits to quit, but doing so can drastically improve your health — your eyes included. Smoking harms the optic nerve of your eye and can also lead to cataracts and macular degeneration if you continue to smoke regularly. Quitting now can protect your eyes from future ailments and improve your overall health.

3. Eat Eye-Healthy Foods

Eating is the catalyst of all healthy habits, and eyes are no different. To have healthier eyes, you need to eat the right foods. Fresh foods high in omega-3, zinc, lutein, lycopene, vitamin E, and vitamin C are all ideal for eye health. Some options to add to your plate include:

• Oysters
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Beans and legumes, especially kidney beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and black-eyed peas
• Leafy greens such as spinach or kale
• Fish with high oil content, like swordfish, trout, salmon, or tuna

4. Give Your Eyes Frequent Rest

Like other parts of your body, your eyes need a rest now and again — regardless of whether you wear contacts and eyeglasses.

If you’re binge-watching the latest TV shows or working on your computer, take a break every 30 minutes to an hour to let your eyes rest. You can also rest your eyes about every 15 minutes by simply looking away from the screen for about 15 seconds.

Furthermore, if you have contacts, take them out and wear glasses for a day or two — at least once a month to give your eyes a break.

5. Consider LASIK

Although LASIK doesn’t prevent or cure eye diseases, it can drastically improve your quality of life. Without needing glasses or contacts, you can do whatever you want and enjoy things without hindrances — like swimming, sports, or even reading a book.

If you’ve been taking care of your eyes but are still unsure if LASIK is the right move, schedule a consultation today. An eye doctor or ophthalmologist can determine whether you’re a candidate for LASIK and even pair it with an eye exam — two birds with one stone!

Stay on top of your eye health, do everything you can to improve your sight, and you just might look at life in a different light.

Contact our private LASIK practice in Newport Beach to book a complimentary one-on-one consultation with Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D. and find out if laser vision correction is right for you.