pure eye health

eye health 101

^{10 ways to keep your vision crystal clear}

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The big picture

^{How your eyes are warning signs of health}

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Eat well!

Leafy greens, fish, fruits, and nuts contain vital nutrients for the macula, which is responsible for most of our vision.

wear sunglasses

UV light ages all parts of the eye, which can result in a variety of vision problems. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sunglasses should block 99-100% of UV rays to prevent the aging process.

Use the
20-20-20 rule

Staring at a screen for extended periods of time strains your eyes, and the shorter wavelengths of blue light are proven to cause eye damage. To give your eyes a break, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Be mindful of eye makeup

Although it can last for months, eye makeup is a particularly great breeding ground for bacteria. Never share eye makeup, and replace your stash after 3-6 months to prevent infection.

Stay active!

Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in the US. Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent obesity and lower risk levels for diabetes.

Quit smoking

Smoking is proven to double the risk of disease in the macula, the center of vision.

be aware of your medical history

If eye disease runs in the family, be sure to contact a local ophthalmologist; early detection can help stop or slow vision loss.

Know your personal risk factors

Being a certain age or ethnicity can increase your chances of vision loss and eye disease. Other factors may include sports, occupation, and hobbies; consider wearing protective eyewear if your eyes may be at risk during these activities.

Care for your contacts

Contact lenses make direct contact with your eyes and can easily cause an eye infection. Make sure to wash your hands before taking them in or out, use proper cleaning solution, and replace them on a regular basis.

Get regular eye exams!

Early detection is key to prevention and can even reverse eye disease if action is taken quickly. Visit your eye doctor regularly and inform them of any developments or changes in your vision.

The eyes are delicate organs, the first step in the intricate exchange with the nervous system that allows us to perceive the world around us. Filled with thousands of miniscule blood vessels, microscopic photoreceptors, and layers of specialized cells, an entire field of medicine has been devoted to understanding and caring for two organs that are just 0.75% of total body mass.Given their sensitivity, the eyes are particularly vulnerable to larger health issues. The dense network of blood vessels creates a strong susceptibility to circulatory problems. Disruption in overall blood flow can cause ischemia in the optic nerve and retina--a condition where these crucial parts of the eye receive inadequate blood supply. Ischemia is a main cause of many significant eye diseases, many of which result in sudden, irreversible vision loss.COVID-19, for example, can cause circulatory issues including blood clots and increased risk of heart failure; COVID-19 has also been associated with visual impairment, with issues as serious as retinal artery and vein occlusion, and vascular leakage.Diabetes increases risk for heart disease and introduces its own circulatory challenges. Diabetic retinopathy, a direct consequence of impaired circulation due to diabetes, can result in permanent vision loss if untreated.Heart disease and diabetes are leading causes of death in the US, but early detection can make a difference; and eyes are our warning signs. However, the optic symptoms of these diseases are often overlooked until the disease advances. Increasing awareness of the importance of eye health will not only prevent vision loss in the population, but help us understand the bigger picture of our health.