3 things eye doctors do every day
To protect your vision, daily habits matter most, say top docs. Start with these.
1. Live well
Exercise protects against diseases of the retina. Eat right, too: antioxidant-rich produce can delay cataracts. “What’s good for your health is good for your eyes,” says Purnima Patel, M.D., an active fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
2. Cover up
“Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses to reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration,and other eye diseases,” says David Damari, O.D., dean of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University.
3. Refresh
Scratchiness, burning, or irritation? It could be dry eyes, often caused by too much screen time. Blink often to relubricate your eyes. Drops can help, too, but avoid those that promise to wipe out redness; they can actually mask an infection, Dr. Damari cautions.
