Things You Can Do Right Now to Reduce Your Risk of Eye Disease and Vision Loss

The team at Island Eye Surgicenter cares deeply about our patients’ ocular health. We feel a duty and responsibility to educate you about ways to preserve your vision and lower your risk of sight-stealing diseases.

You might be surprised to learn that there are simple steps that you can take right now to reduce your risk of developing an eye disease or losing vision.

Manage Existing Health Conditions

Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure put you at risk of serious eye diseases. For example, the longer you have diabetes and the less controlled it is with medication and lifestyle habits, the higher your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. Therefore, it is crucial to manage pre-existing health conditions by making good lifestyle choices and following the advice of your medical team.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is harmful to every part of your body, including your eyes. Quitting can lower your risk of diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration and uveitis.

Be Sensible about Eye Protection

Hundreds of thousands of people go to the emergency room every year because of eye injuries that occur while playing sports or working with tools, chemicals and other hazards. One of the best ways to lower your risk of eye injuries is to wear eye protection while playing contact or collision sports or working with tools, chemicals, projectiles and other hazardous materials.

Eat an Eye-Friendly Diet

Studies suggest that eating a healthy diet can promote long-term eye health. Eat a variety of foods that are high in vitamins and antioxidants (such as colorful fruits and vegetables), and limit foods with a lot of fat.

Book Your Next Eye Exam

Certain eye diseases progress with no noticeable signs or symptoms. The only way they can be detected is through a comprehensive, professional eye exam. If it has been awhile since your last eye exam, be proactive and schedule one with your eye doctor today!

Talk to Our Team

No matter how conscientious we try to be, sometimes eye disease is simply unavoidable. If you have been diagnosed with a condition like cataracts or glaucoma, our team can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options and find a suitable way to preserve your vision.