July is Healthy Vision Month: Take These Steps to Reframe Your Future

Healthy Vision Month is an opportunity to commit to habits that support long-term eye health.

As we celebrate Healthy Vision Month this July, it’s important to understand why eye health is crucial and how simple habits can preserve it for years to come. Beyond just seeing, our eyes connect us to the world.

Please read on to learn why maintaining eye health matters and eight practical strategies that can help you safeguard your vision.

The Eyes Have It

Eyes are complex organs that deserve our attention and care. They enable us to work, read, explore, and enjoy life's beauty. Clear vision enhances our quality of life and helps us maintain social connections. Taking protective measures now can help prevent potential vision problems and ensure our eyes remain healthy as we age.

Eight Strategies for Preserving Eye Health

1.     Get to know your family’s eye health history.

Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, can be hereditary. By knowing your genetic predispositions, you can proactively manage and monitor your eye health with the guidance of a professional. Early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the impact of potential eye diseases.

2.     Stay hydrated.

The eyes need sufficient moisture to function correctly and to stay lubricated. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, causing discomfort, redness, and irritation. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps ensure that your eyes remain hydrated, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome and promoting overall comfort and health.

3.     Get adequate rest.

During sleep, the eyes are replenished with essential nutrients and moisture. Lack of sleep can lead to eye fatigue, dry eyes, and even more serious eye conditions over time. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support overall eye health and reduce strain on your eyes.

4.     Eat a balanced diet.

Include plenty of foods rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial for eye health, such as leafy greens (like spinach and kale), carrots, citrus fruits, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon).

5.     Wear sunglasses.

Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is essential for preventing long-term damage. Exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Choose protective eyewear that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors, even on cloudy days or during winter.

6.     Don’t smoke.

Smoking is detrimental to eye health and increases the risk of developing several eye diseases, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the delicate structures of the eye and impair overall eye function. Quitting smoking reduces these risks and improves circulation, which benefits the eyes by ensuring they receive adequate oxygen and nutrients.

7.     Practice the 20-20-20 rule.

Digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets can cause digital eye strain due to prolonged use. To reduce strain and prevent discomfort, every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit helps relax the eye muscles, reduce fatigue, and maintain comfortable vision during extended periods of screen time.

8.     Attend regular eye exams.

Schedule comprehensive eye exams with an eye care professional at least once a year, even if you don’t wear glasses. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions are crucial for maintaining good vision.

Healthy Vision Month is an opportunity to commit to habits that support long-term eye health. By incorporating these simple strategies into your daily routine, you can help protect your vision and enjoy better eyesight well into the future. For more helpful resources, visit the National Eye Institute's Healthy Vision Month page.

Let this month be the starting point for a lifetime of healthy vision habits. If you need more information, our caring professionals are here to assist you. Please contact us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.