Happy New Year to all of our fantastic patients, and friends! We are so excited about all of the amazing things that 2015 has in store for you here at Frantz EyeCare. This year we want to make sure that we partner with you to help you maintain or achieve your best vision yet. After all, aren’t we using our sight every day, for pretty much everything?
So without further ado, here are Dr. Frantz’s Top 5 tips to having better vision in the New Year:
- Get a Complete Eye Exam. If you have not been to your eye doctor in the past year, it is time to come in for a check, even if you think your vision is perfect! Why do you ask? During a complete eye exam, your eyes will get dilated, which will enable our Doctors to see into the back of your eyes to make sure that your optic nerve and retina are healthy. A complete exam can also help to diagnose systemic healthy issues like glaucoma and diabetes before any symptoms present themselves. To find out more about this check out this video from Dr. Judd.
- Wear Sunglasses. Did you know that increased sun exposure throughout your lifetime makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration? By wearing sunglasses you are protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. For your best protection make sure your sunglasses protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use the 20-20-20- Rule. Do you ever find your eyes feeling tired or tight? Do you work in front of a computer all day? If you answered these questions with a resounding “Yes, that’s me. Help!” Then it’s time to employ the 20-20-20 rule. We ask that every 20 minutes, you give your eyes a rest by looking 20 feet away from you computer, tablet or phone for 20 seconds. (Get it! 20-20-20). This is especially important for those of you that work in front of the computer 40 hours a week.
- Just say NO to smoking! Smoking increases your risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage. Not to mention the havoc is reeks on the rest of your body. If you are a current smoker, there is a plethora of smoking cessation programs that can help you quit.
- Eat well and we don’t just mean carrots. Studies have shown that food that contains lutein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E lower the risk of many common eye conditions. Dr. Burkley has some great thoughts on the best foods you can eat for your eyes including;
- Leafy greens, like spinach and kale
- Oily fish like salmon and tune
- Fruits with dark pigments like blueberries and blackberries
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Avocados
If you have any questions OR are ready to schedule your eye exam, click here or call 239.418.0999.
