Thanks to the pandemic, many of us have skipped some of our regular medical care. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, here are a few things you can do to help your vision until the next time you visit your optometrist:
1. Go for a Walk: Believe or not, research shows that a little exercise (as low as 3 hours per week) can significantly lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. In addition, taking an extra 5,000 steps a day can slow the rate of vision loss due to glaucoma.
2. Wear Some Shades: UV light from the sun can contribute to the formation of cataracts. Vision experts recommend wearing sunglasses with UV blockers year-round, whether it’s sunny or overcast. When you’re shopping, the magic number to look for is UV400 protection or 100% UV.
3. Use Artificial Tears: As we age, our eyes tend to dry out more than they did when we were younger. Artificial tars are a safe way to combat this and are available easily over-the-counter. A drop or two in each eye in the morning and then again, as needed.