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Taking Care of Your Eyes

Let's skip all the clichés about how eyes are "windows to the soul" and just go straight to the point: Your vision is essential to most of the things that you do. You use your eyes to learn new things, to appreciate your surroundings, to guide you with your movements, and so much more. Eyesight is crucial to the lifestyles of most people, and yet a lot of us take it for granted.

Proper eye care is important to preserving your vision. While it's true that people's eyesight may deteriorate as they age, you can actually keep your vision strong even as you grow older, as long you regularly get your eyes checked and develop healthy vision habits.

Eat the Right Foods

Studies show that fruits and vegetables, most especially veggies with yellow and orange pigments can promote better eyesight, so load up on carrots, squash, corn, and other citrus fruits. Additionally, other research suggests that dark leafy veggies, including kale and spinach are good for the eyes as well.

Get Regular Check Ups

If you do develop eyesight problems, you'll have better chances or reversing or treating them if you catch them early on. That's why it's best to get regular eye exams to determine how your eyes are doing. People ages 40 and up are recommended to get eye exams on a yearly basis so that the doctor can check for signs of glaucoma and retinal damage.

Protect Your Eyes

The sun emits ultraviolet rays that can damage your eyes, so always wear UV-protected sunglasses when you're going out on a sunny day or driving with the sun in your eyes. Other ways to protect your eyes from the sun include wearing hats, caps, or visors.

However, the sun isn't the only thing that you should be protecting your eyes from. Certain sports and activities may require protective goggles or shields, so never skimp on your safety gear.

Rest Your Eyes

If you're spending hours in front of the computer or if you've been focusing on one thing for too long, be sure to give your eyes a break. The National Eye Institute recommends the 20-20 rule: "Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain."

Don't Smoke

Smoking has been linked to a lot of diseases and ailments, some of which are eye-related. Some of these conditions include cataract, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration.

Resources

For more information on about eye care, visit the following resources:

National Eye Institute - Eye Health Tips from the NEI.

Eye Care America - This is the foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Foundation Fighting Blindness - This foundation aims to drive research in order to provide preventions, treatments, and cures for those affected by vision ailments.

Lighthouse International - An organization that fights vision loss through prevention, treatment, and empowerment.

National Federation of the Blind - The official website of the NFB.

Prevent Blindness America - The country's number 1 volunteer eye health and safety organization.

All About Vision - A page listing numerous eye care organizations and resources.

Vision Aware - A site dedicated to resources for independent living with vision loss.

Macular Degeneration Reserach - A program of the american health assistance foundation dedicated to Macular Degeneration Research.

Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity - VOSH International serves as the voice of optometry in developing nations.

American Macular Degeneration Foundation - Official site of the AMDF, a non-profit organization dedicated to Macular Degeneration research.

National Eye Foundation - This organization offer eye care to underprivileged individuals.

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