To mark Vision Health Month 2024, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) released a survey assessing Canadians’ awareness, understanding, and concerns regarding vision health. 65% of respondents were familiar with cataracts, while more than half (53%) knew of glaucoma. The survey also found that in the past two years, 71% of Canadians have experienced one or more symptoms around their eyes or their vision. Dr. Phil Hooper, president of the COS, stresses that although Canadians have become more familiar with major eye diseases, continued education is needed to encourage proactive care. Below are a few practical tips on how you can start prioritizing your eye health to ensure optimal vision.
Undergo regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are a cornerstone of maintaining good vision health. Yet, according to industry reports, 35% of Canadians only book eye exams once they experience vision issues rather than getting regular checkups. Eye exams do more than ensure visual acuity; they can detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, which can be treated more effectively if caught early. Additionally, eye exams can help with the diagnosis of systemic health issues, like diabetes and hypertension, that often manifest in the eyes before other symptoms appear. To stay on top of your eye health, Health Canada recommends that adults get an eye exam at least once every two years and once a year for children and seniors.
Wear sunglasses
Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses should not only be worn on sunny days. UV rays are present year-round and cumulative, prolonged exposure to these rays increases the risk of developing cataracts and other eye conditions. For this reason, the COS encourages the consistent use of sunglasses with UV protection. When selecting sunglasses, it’s important to look for labels or descriptions that indicate 100% UV protection. Established brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley both offer stylish frames that provide total sun protection. You can find these brands on online eyewear retailer Clearly, which also carries more affordable options like the Acrylics frames. These can be further customized with polarized lenses for UV protection and glare reduction.
Protect your eyes from blue light
A survey from ophthalmology company Alcon reveals that Canadians spend an average of nearly 11 hours per day looking at screens, thereby exposing themselves to massive amounts of harmful blue light. Excessive blue light exposure can lead to digital eye strain and its symptoms, including dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Meanwhile, blue light at nighttime is known to affect your circadian rhythm and sleep quality. To mitigate these effects, consider wearing blue light glasses like the Oakley Holbrook Prizm Gaming glasses or installing an app that blocks blue light on your phone, especially if you spend more than two hours a day on digital devices.
Eat eye-healthy foods
Research shows that foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for the eyes. These nutrients can help prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and fish like salmon and tuna are excellent sources of these eye-healthy nutrients. Additionally, incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables like carrots and bell peppers can provide the antioxidants necessary to protect the eyes from oxidative stress.
Prioritizing vision health doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating the tips outlined above, you can take significant steps toward maintaining optimal vision. These simple lifestyle habits can make a substantial difference in preserving your eyesight and preventing future vision problems. As the statistics on vision impairment in Canada suggest, taking proactive measures today can help ensure that you enjoy clear and healthy vision in the long run.
