Right on Sight

Even razor-sharp vision is vulnerable to damage and degeneration. Stay focused with these reminders for keeping your peepers keen.

Clarity check: Take advantage of August’s National Eye Exam Month to schedule your regular appointment. The Academy of Ophthalmology recommends exams for adults every 2-4 years, but if you have diabetes or a chronic eye condition, visit your vision care specialist yearly.

Dietary dos: Plenty of foods share carrots’ beta carotene-rich properties that protect eye health — like sweet potatoes, kale, and apricots to name a few. Vitamin C (found in broccoli, oranges, and bell peppers) and vitamin E (found in avocados, sunflower seeds, and almonds) help ward off macular degeneration. Eggs are a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants found to reduce the risk for cataracts. When in doubt, eat heart-healthy foods like leafy greens and flax. Cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation can threaten optical health too.

Rx reminders: As your vision changes, always update your prescription for glasses and contacts. Be sure to follow the recommendations — contacts are safe as long as you adhere to cleaning instructions and wearing schedules. Improper care or extended wear can cause eye infections, corneal ulcers, and even loss of sight.