Originally published at Malkani Retina Center.
When it comes to eye health, maintaining healthy retinas is essential for preserving your vision. The retina is a delicate part of the eye that is responsible for capturing images and sending them to the brain. But if the retina becomes damaged, it can affect your vision for the worse.
Want to keep your eyesight sharp? In this blog post, we will discuss five habits that you can adopt to keep your retina healthy and protect your vision!
1. Undergo regular dilated eye exams
If you are serious about protecting your vision, then undergoing regular dilated eye exams is a must. When getting a dilated eye exam, drops are used to widen your pupils so that the doctor can get a better look at the back of your eye. During these exams, the doctor will check for any signs of retina damage and can catch problems early on.
While it may be a bit of a nuisance to have your pupils dilated, it is a very important part of protecting your vision. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor every year to keep on top of your retina health!
2. Consume nutrient-rich foods
Eating nutrient-rich foods is also important for healthy retinas. Leafy greens and fish are especially good for the eyes because they contain essential nutrients like omega-three fatty acids and lutein. These nutrients support retinal health and can help to prevent age-related vision problems like macular degeneration.
3. Quit tobacco/nicotine use
Tobacco and nicotine use is a big no-no when it comes to eye health. These substances can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to degradation and vision problems down the road. If you smoke, chew tobacco, or use a nicotine vape, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your eyes!
4. Control your blood sugar and blood pressure
There's an undeniable link between our diets and our well-being, including the health of our eyes and retinas. If you have diabetes, it is especially important to control your blood sugar and blood pressure. High blood sugar and blood pressure levels can lead to retina damage, so keeping them under control is crucial for preserving your vision. To stay healthy and protect your vision, monitor the amount of sugar and sodium you consume, particularly remembering to eat processed foods and empty carbs in moderation.
5. Defend your eyes from sun damage
Finally, protecting your eyes from UV rays is important for healthy retinas. Too much exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. Fortunately, wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors can help shield your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
Protect your retinas with Malkani Retina Center
Taking care of your eye health should be a top priority, so if you're concerned about retinal damage, you need high-quality vision care! At Malkani Retina Center, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain healthy retinas and preserve their vision. Our team is ready to serve patients in Florida with locations in Fort Myers, Naples, and Port Charlotte.
For information on our services or to answer questions about your vision health, don't wait — contact our team of professionals today.