At Chicago Cornea Consultants™, Ltd., we proudly offer a comprehensive range of eye care services designed to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal ocular health. However, we don’t stop there. We also provide our patients with the education they need to maintain excellent vision and healthy eyes when they aren’t in our care. At our eye care center in Chicago, eye safety tips are provided to all of our patients so that they can enjoy seeing the world clearly and sharply for their entire lives.
The following are just some of the tips we offer to our patients regarding the safety of their eyes.
Wear the right eye protection, both on the job and off.
If you have a job that requires eye protection, chances are that you have already been fitted with the proper spectacles, goggles, face shield, or welding helmet, depending on your occupation. However, it is equally important that you shield your eyes from harm when you’re off the clock. You will want to protect your eyes when you are:
- Doing home or car repairs
- Barbequing
- Cooking, especially with hot, volatile liquids
- Tending to your lawn or garden, especially if you are using a lawnmower or weed whacker or spraying chemicals
- Playing sports such as tennis, baseball, basketball, and racquetball
- Laying out in the sun
Avoid smoke, including cigarette smoke.
If you smoke, the best thing you could do for your body is quit. Smoking adversely affects nearly every aspect of a person’s health, including his or her eyes. Cigarette smoke is associated with the acceleration of multiple eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration. If you don’t smoke, try to limit your exposure to other people’s smoke as much as possible.
Take frequent breaks from computer use.
Whether you work with computers or simply enjoy using them during your free time, take frequent breaks to avoid undue eye strain. At least once every two hours, be sure to step away from the computer for 15 minutes or more.
Eat foods that promote good eye health.
Carrots are not the only type of food that is good for the eyes – in fact, they’re not even among the top foods that promote good eye health. Try to eat lots of green, leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, as well as foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish.
Healthy exercise and diet are good for the eyes, too.
Of course, you want to exercise regularly and consume a healthy diet for your overall health. But did you know that your eyes also benefit from a good diet and exercise regimen? Exercise helps to improve the body’s circulation, which can help to keep glaucoma at bay. Good overall health also decreases the risk of various eye diseases.
Have your eyes screened regularly.
Even if you have stable vision, it is important that you have your eyes screened every few years, especially as you enter middle age. Like most health conditions, eye conditions are easiest to treat when they are in their earliest stages. Routine eye exams will make it possible to catch potential vision problems before they have a chance to become serious.
For more eye safety tips or to schedule your initial consultation with one of our esteemed eye care professionals, please contact Chicago Cornea Consultants™, Ltd. today.
