6 Tips For Healthy Eyes

August 31st, 2020

Living in Colorado can be particularly hard on your eyes. We have very dry air, grass and tree pollen, wildfire smoke, vehicle pollution in the cities, and, at a mile above sea level, more intense UV rays. There are plenty of habits you can develop to counter the effects of these factors and enjoy the beautiful scenery here through healthy eyes. From ICON Eyecare, the best eye doctors in Colorado, here are six important ways you can care for your eyes here in the Rocky Mountains.

1. Reduce eye strain by practicing eye health exercises at the office and while on the computer at home.

Three simple ones — roll your eyes right and up, left and down several times. Cup your hands over your eyes and look into the distance in the dark for 30 seconds or more. Put a picture or brief text on the wall and focus on it in the distance, then nearby, repeating several times. It might be wise not to do these while others are watching!

2. Watch out for accidental cornea or sclera (center or side) scratches from pets, kids, sports, and household activities.

Tree limbs during a hike can be a particular problem. See one of our optometrists in Denver for a quick check of any suspicious eye scratches to promote healing, avoid infection, and look for any foreign objects that may have remained in your eye.

3. Wear eye protection.

When doing home repairs, hobbies, or hazardous work on the job when cutting, chemicals, lasers, or welding are involved, always wear eye protection. With chemicals, avoid wearing contact lenses and keep an eyewash station handy.

4. Keep your body healthy.

Your eyes are supplied with nutrients and cared for by your immune system through blood flow. Eat well, including fish, nuts, leafy greens, and of course carrots. Diabetics protect their retinas by managing their condition, and everyone should hydrate. Allergy medication, when needed, helps the eyes avoid stress as well.

5. Watch out for potential warning signs.

Pain in the eye, flashing lights even in the dark, full or partial vision loss, halos around lights, and red, crusty, swollen eyelids require emergency treatment. Acting fast can help save your vision.

6. Wear proper UV protection.

Denverites and other high-altitude dwellers don’t just wear sunglasses as a fashion statement. “Eye sunburn” or photokeratitis is usually a temporary yet uncomfortable condition that can easily happen at altitude. The cornea and surrounding conjunctiva can be damaged for up to a few days, especially when bright sunlight is reflected from ice, snow, water, or sand. Long-term risks of UV exposure include cataracts and macular degeneration.

There is one more very important way to keep your eyes healthy — your annual eye exam where your doctor checks your eyes and vision. Your preferred optometrist in Denver is at ICON Eyecare, part of a team of the best eye doctors in Colorado. We’re ready to book your annual eye exam and take care of any of your vision needs.