The state of eye health is worsening in Canada. More than 1.2 million Canadians live with vision loss today, and over 41% of Canadians have been diagnosed with a significant change in their eye health within the past few years. Fortunately, following basic tips and precautions while increasing awareness of eye risks can give Canadians the best chance to care for vision and overall eye health. We do vision testing within our medicals to make sure we stay on top of this and give feedback so you can follow up with your optometrist. With that said, the following will discuss various methods and products you can utilize to safeguard your eyes.
Practice blue-violet light protection
Blue-violet light is emitted by the sun and artificial sources like digital screens and LED lights. According to ThinkTV, the average Canadian spends up to 20 hours in front of a screen every week. That means you're likely getting overexposed to blue-violet light and are more likely to experience various issues like dry eyes, straining, and even retinal damage. To prevent this, consider using blue light glasses. These shield your eyes from light between 400 and 455 nanometers, which blue-violet light wavelengths fall under. By effectively blocking it out, these glasses can de-stress your eyes to relieve headaches, strain, and fatigue and prevent more serious issues like macular degeneration. When you're wearing these glasses, people around you may notice a slight blue reflection on the lens surface. If you stare at a bright background, you will also see warmer colors. Don't worry: this is normal and means the glasses are doing their job. If you really need to use digital devices for longer due to work or school, you can try glasses like the Derek Cardigan Janus. These come with filtering technologies like BlueReflect Plus specifically designed for long periods of gadget use.
Use sunglasses to protect your eyes
Excess UV exposure to the eyes can result in several eye problems, like cataracts and certain eye cancers. Both conditions lead to blurry, hazy, and even less colorful vision, all of which can significantly impact your quality of life. Since prolonged UV exposure can occur on both sunny and overcast days, it's ideal to wear sunglasses year-round. The best quality sunglasses incorporate vital elements like UV coating and polarized lenses. For instance, Bonlook sunglasses come in tinted, photochromic, and polarized options to shield your eyes from UV rays. If you already require vision correction, you can opt for prescription sunglasses with the same aforementioned lens technology, too. With quality sunnies such as these, you can ensure optimal care for your eyes and a more comfortable visual experience.
Book regular eye checkups
Apart from practicing eye safety tips on your own, it also pays to get a professional's opinion every now and then. Doing so ensures that your habits are tailored to your needs, and any budding issues are caught early. This is why regular eye exams are essential for your eye health, especially when you feel constant symptoms of discomfort. Consider visiting your eye doctor when you suspect an infection with swelling and discoloration in your eyes. Remember, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends healthy adults between the ages of 20-39 should make an appointment every two to three years.
Include eye-nourishing foods in your diet
You may not be what you eat, but your diet can definitely impact your wellness. This is why eating healthily is largely considered an investment in long-term health. For your eyes, eating eye-nourishing foods can help these organs work more efficiently. This includes not only seeing more clearly but also being able to heal and repair more effectively. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), eating foods rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C is vital in keeping eyes sharp. Some examples of eye-friendly foods with these vitamins and minerals include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and colorful citrus. You can check out our Dietitian programs if you want more information on consuming more nutrient dense foods visit londondietitians.ca