Watch Now: 10 Eye Tips to See Clearly Into the Future

(VIDEO: Elise Leonard, M.D., discusses what you should be doing to ensure proper eye health.)

Many people take their vision for granted, but there are some simple things you can do to make sure you protect and preserve your ocular health into your golden years.

Elise Leonard, M.D., an ophthalmologist with the Baptist Eye Surgery Center at Sunrise, offers these tips to help your eyes be their best:

1. Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Visit your eye care professional regularly. Many eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, have no warning signs.

2. Know your family’s eye health history.
Many eye conditions are hereditary. Knowing your family history will help your eye care professional make the proper assessments.

3. Eat right.
Fruits and veggies, especially dark green ones such as spinach and kale, can keep your eyes healthy.

4. Maintain a healthy weight.
A healthy weight may prevent development of diabetes or other conditions which could lead to vision loss.

5. Wear protective eyewear.
Whether playing sports or doing activities around the house, use safety goggles and shields.

6. Quit smoking or never start.
Smoking has been linked to age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.

7. Wear sunglasses.
Shades protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

8. Rest your eyes.
Computers and spreadsheets can cause a strain on your eyes. Experts suggest the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This short exercise can help reduce eyestrain.

9. Clean your hands and your contact lenses—properly.
Wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses.

10. Practice workplace eye safety.
Make sure you and your coworkers wear the right type of protection at all times.

Source: CDC.gov

Tags: Baptist Eye Surgery Center, eye health, ophthalmology