Most adults, aged 19 to 40, enjoy healthy eyes and good vision. The most common eye and vision problems experienced by people in this age group are due to visual stress and eye injuries. By taking proper steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect your eyes from stress and injury, you can avoid many eye and vision problems.
Good vision is important as you pursue a college degree, begin your career, or perhaps start and raise a family. Here are some things you can do to help maintain healthy eyes and good vision:
- Eat Healthy — As part of a healthful diet, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose foods rich in antioxidents like leafy, green vegetables and fish.
- Don't Smoke — Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of noxious chemicals and increases the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
- Get Regular Exercise — Exercise improves blood circulation, increases oxygen levels to the eyes and aids in the removal of toxins.
- Wear Sunglasses — Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays when outdoors. Choose sun glasses with UVA and UVB protection, to block both forms of ultraviolet rays.
- Get Periodic Eye Examinations — Although vision generally remains stable during these years, some problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. The best way to protect your vision is through regularly scheduled professional eye examinations.
The American Optometric Association recommends that adults aged 19 to 40 receive an eye exam at least every two years. If you are at risk for eye problems due to a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or past vision problems, your doctor of optometry may recommend more frequent exams. In between examinations, if you notice a change in your vision, contact your doctor. Detecting and treating problems early can help maintain good vision for the rest of your life.
"Good Vision Throughout Life" www.aoa.org American Optometric Association n.d. Web. 20 April 2010
