May is Healthy Vision Month, which means we’re celebrating at Brinton Vision! After all, there is no better time to recognize that a part of making intentional choices about what we eat, how much exercise we get, and committing to caring for our bodies includes being kind to and mindful of our eyes.
Eyes are our window to the world, but they are easy to take for granted. Our vision is a big part of how we experience life, and just like the rest of our bodies, eyes need love too. There’s no time like during Healthy Vision Month to begin.
Not sure how to preserve your peepers? Here are some suggestions from the National Eye Institute (NEI) division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): 
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- Healthy in, healthy out. Diet plays a significant role in maintaining your vision and in making sure get the most out of your eyes. We’ve all heard that carrots are good for our eyes, but so are dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.What’s more, research has shown that other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, and halibut; vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables; vitamin E, found in nuts and sweet potatoes; and zinc, found in oysters, meats, toasted wheat germ, spinach, pumpkin seeds, nuts, dark chocolate, beans, and mushrooms are all beneficial in combatting eye problems and maintaining healthy vision.
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- Know your history. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way. Eye diseases are often hereditary, so if you are able to ask about your family’s eye health history, you can better establish your own potential risk.
- Know your history. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way. Eye diseases are often hereditary, so if you are able to ask about your family’s eye health history, you can better establish your own potential risk.
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- Kick the habit. We all know that smoking is bad for us. Our eyes take a particularly tough beating when we light up. Smoking is linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage, all of which can cause blindness. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
- Kick the habit. We all know that smoking is bad for us. Our eyes take a particularly tough beating when we light up. Smoking is linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage, all of which can cause blindness. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
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- Go vogue. Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to NEI, about 20 percent of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure, and the development of macular degeneration and a condition called pterygium are also related to UV exposure of the eyes. Look for sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation, and wear them anytime you’re enjoying the sunshine.
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- Give ’em a break. All of the little screens on our phones, computers, and other electronic devices can take a toll. The 20-20-20 rule is the best way to reduce strain: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This will give the overused muscles in your eyes a break and will give other important muscles a boost, too.
These tips will go a long way, but the best thing you can do for your eyes is to check them out regularly. A national survey conducted by the NEI found that an astounding 23 million Americans age 18 and older have never had an eye exam. Even if you don’t think you have a problem, eye exams are an important part of maintaining your vision health. Many eye diseases or degenerative conditions can go unnoticed until it is too late. An annual eye exam that includes dilation is not only simple, but it can keep you from losing sight of the important things in life — literally.
And, if you are a contact or glasses wearer and are ready to lose your lenses for good, visit Brinton Vision in St. Louis for a comprehensive Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis. Dr. Jason P. Brinton and Dr. Morgan Poore can help you decide if laser eye surgery or other refractive procedures are your best vision and eye care option. Some procedures even help prevent cataracts or other problems down the road. Celebrate Healthy Vision Month and call 314-375-2020, or schedule your consultation online.
St. Louis LASIK surgeon Dr. Jason P. Brinton, MD is an internationally recognized specialist in the field of refractive surgery. He is a graduate of Harvard College, earned his medical doctorate from the Harvard Medical School, and is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has been inducted to America’s Top Ophthalmologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Leading Physicians of the World by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals, and Top Doctors in America by Castle Connolly. In 2015, he received global recognition as the recipient of the Visian ICL Young Ophthalmologist Award in Barcelona, Spain, and in 2016 was named Ocular Surgery News’ Premier Surgeon 300 Innovators in Refractive Cataract Surgery. He is a dedicated husband, father of four beautiful children, and is passionate about his life, his work, and service to others.