May is Healthy Vision Month
Healthy vision care tips from Santa Barbara’s SEE International
Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International is a local nonprofit that provides sustainable medical, surgical, and educational services to disadvantaged individuals. SEE International established the Santa Barbara Vision Care Program (SBVCP) to provide comprehensive eye exams, eyeglasses, medications and eye surgery at no cost to qualified patients who reside in Santa Barbara County. SEE International also offers sight restoration worldwide through a number of volunteer driven expeditions.
In the spirit of Healthy Vision Month, SEE International would like to share a few tips about vision care:
– Keep vision aiding nutrients in your diet. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Regularly eating foods such as spinach, kale, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, and citrus fruits can help lead to good eye health.
– Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure makes increases the likelihood of cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. If you wear contact lenses, some may offer UV protection, but it’s still a good idea to wear sunglasses for more protection.
– Use safety eyewear when needed. If you work with hazardous or airborne materials or play certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball and lacrosse wear eye protection to shield your eyes.
– Periodically look away from your computer screen. Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and more. When using a computer be sure to look away every 20 minutes to avoid eye strain and if you wear glasses or contact lenses make sure your prescription is up-to-date and adequate for computer use.
– Visit your eye doctor regularly. Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best. Eye exams can also find some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It’s important to find these diseases in their early stages, when they’re easier to treat. Depending on your eye health needs, you can see either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for an eye exam.
About SEE International
Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization that provides medical, surgical, and educational services by volunteer ophthalmic surgeons with the primary objective of restoring sight to disadvantaged blind individuals worldwide. http://www.seeintl.org.