Seasonal Eye Health Checklist for year-round Eye Health

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Jan. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Winter
Eat healthy. The holidays can be especially tempting for poor diet choices. Make sure you eat plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids for better eye health.

Quit smoking. No butts about it: Smoking is harmful to almost every organ in your body, including your eyes. Those who smoke are up to four times more likely to go blind in old age. If you are a smoker, make a New Year's resolution to kick the habit.

Give the gift of vision. During the gift-giving season, consider donating to a vision charity that provides vision care and eyeglasses to people in need. Donate your old specs!

Vision insurance. If you have vision insurance and health savings benefits that expire at the end of December, be sure to use them in time.
This is also a good time to plan eye exams  and appointments for your family and use your savings on eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses in the New Year.

Cosmetic surgery. If you look older than you feel, start the New Year with a fresher look and consider consulting an eye surgeon about cosmetic surgery. Eyelid surgery can correct droopy eyelids or puffy bags under your eyes — giving you a younger appearance and, in some cases, even better vision.

Spring

Allergy relief. Seasonal allergies can have you in a fog, with itchy eyes and a runny nose. Pay extra attention to what triggers your allergies so you'll know what to avoid. Visit your eye doctor if your eyes become red, watery, or swollen.

Time for new glasses? Modern styles can take years off your appearance.

Upgrade your eyewear. Spring fashion trends inspire great new eyeglass frame designs. Visit your eye doctor's office to see what eyewear is in this season.
After you've upgraded your eyeglasses, consider donating your old eyewear to someone in need. You can change the life of someone who can't afford an eye exam or eyewear.

Sports eyewear. Almost 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries are preventable with protective eyewear. Sports glasses can offer protection, color enhancement, light control, or a combination of features. Find eyewear that's best for your sport, to keep your eyes safe and enhance your game.

Safety goggles. The spring season is a popular time for cleaning, home-improvement projects, and gardening. All of which can be dangerous to your eyes if you're not wearing protective eyewear. Strap on safety goggles before spraying cleaning supplies, mowing the lawn, or repairing your home.

If you don't require prescription lenses, or you wear contact lenses, you can purchase non-prescription safety eyewear from most hardware, building supply and sporting goods stores.

Summer

Sun protection. It's important to wear sunglasses all year long, but summertime is great for purchasing new shades for your whole family. Even little eyes need protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Remember that UV rays can damage eyes even on cloudy days. Wearing sunglasses whenever you are outside can reduce your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.

Make sure your children wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays when outdoors.

Polarized lenses. Don't let glare from the sun ruin outdoor activities like boating, golfing and even jogging. Polarized lenses for sunglasses can help control glare and provide a clearer view with a special filter that blocks intense reflected light.

Swim goggles. Whether it's a dip in the pool, a visit to the beach, or jumping into a lake, you should never wear contacts while swimming unless you're also wearing goggles. Goggles protect your eyes from waterborne bacteria that can cause sight-threatening diseases.

Goggles can also sharpen your vision while you swim, snorkel or explore underwater. If you normally wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, look into prescription goggles that can correct your vision and protect your eyes.

Eye exams. Before school starts, make sure your kids have comprehensive eye exams to help detect any vision problems that could affect their learning. In-school vision screenings are not a substitute for eye exams.

Autumn

Rest your eyes. If you're spending more time indoors on a computer, or sit in front of a computer at work, remember to rest your eyes. Take a break every 20 minutes and look at objects at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to relieve computer vision syndrome. This is the "20-20-20" rule.

Shopping. Planning to take advantage of the deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Remember to include new eyewear on your shopping list. Let your child pick a frame, and have an optician make sure it fits properly. It's a good idea to purchase a back-up pair, too, in case of accidents.

While you're shopping for new eyewear, consider buying a low vision aid for any friends or family who have impaired vision. Gift ideas like portable magnifiers or distance vision aids can change someone's life.

Stay active. Don't let the colder weather keep you from exercising regularly. Staying active is good for your entire body and can help protect against diabetes, macular degeneration and more.

Drink lots of water. The fall season brings with it lots of yummy coffee and hot cocoa flavors, but don't forget to continue to drink lots of water.

If you don't drink enough water, you can dehydrate your body and in turn not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Eye-related symptoms of dehydration include redness, dryness, and puffy eyelids.