Tips for Good Eye Health

Your eyes serve a very important purpose, but they're organs many take for granted until a problem occurs. Keep your eyes healthy with a few short tips.

Get Regular Checkups

• Seeing an eye doctor is the best way to know if you have a problem, or one looming. If you had eye problems from childhood, you should get checked every year or two. If your vision is normal, having at least one eye check in your 20's is sufficient. In your 30's, get checked twice. In your 40's and 50's, every 2 to 4 years. After age 65, you'll want to see an eye doctor every two years.

  If you have a history of eye problems or health problems that can affect your vision, such as diabetes, your doctor will make suggestions on how often you should be examined.

Eat a Healthy Diet

• Leafy, green vegetables can reverse macular degeneration.

  Vitamin A is good for your eyes, but you need to eat more than carrots to keep your eyes healthy. Eat green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain lutein, which help to prevent -- or even reverse -- macular degeneration. Omega 3 fatty acids in fish and flax seeds can help with keeping the eyes lubricated.

Wear Sunglasses and Protective Eye Wear

• We know that sunglasses keep harmful rays from damaging the eyes, and since they are fashionable and prevent eye strain in the bright sun, most people wear them anyway. But many people avoid protective eye wear because the glasses are often bulky and uncomfortable. You should wear them any time you're doing something that involves flying debris or particles. Small pieces of wood, glass or metal in the eye can cause severe damage and discomfort.

Use Contact Lenses Correctly

• Use contact lenses as directed.

  Contact lenses are an incredible advancement in eye health, but they need to be used correctly to be an advantage to your vision. Contacts need to be taken out as directed. Some are longer-wear than others, but leaving them in too long can increase your risk of infection or injury. Also, proper cleaning is a must. Use only saline solution to clean them and wash your hands before putting in contacts.