It’s easy to take our vision for granted and skip our annual eye exam, but the fact is, by the time you read this, someone has gone blind in the world.

Statistics show our vision is the most important of our five senses. By 2020 over 32 million people living in the United States will develop vision problems, according to ophthalmology experts.

Taking care of your eyes is important, avoiding daily dangers can help protect your vision for years to come.

31. Eating a healthy diet. Healthy vision can be as basic as the food we eat. Orange and red vegetables, such as squashes and carrots, and dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale can give our eyes the nutrients they need to stay healthy. There is also research showing Omega-3 fish oil can improve the health of our eyes.

2. If you smoke cigarettes, stop. Those who smoke are 5 times as likely to have vision loss.

3. Exercise on a regular basis to boost overall circulation. Studies show routine exercise can reduce age related vision problems by almost 75%.

4. Eat a low fat and well balanced diet.

5. Limit alcohol consumption.

6. Wear sunglasses. The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your eyes, even in Central Florida’s winter months. The right sunglasses can keep them safe all year round. Don’t forget to protect your eyes from debris, chemicals and even dust with safety goggles or eyewear.

7. Keep a healthy blood sugar level.

8. Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure at a healthy level.

9. Clean air, reduce indoor air pollution.

10. Complete annual comprehensive eye exam. Early detection can go a long way in preserving eye sight and preventing vision loss.

Look for serious warning signs that may require immediate attention, including, sudden eye pain, double vision, loss of central vision, a dark curtain’ sensation, hazy vision, and seeing wavy lines.

Routine eye exams can make all the difference, many eye diseases don’t have any symptoms. Taking care of your eyes now will pay off with better vision for years to come.

Don’t put if off any longer, schedule your comprehensive eye exam today with Lake Nona Eye Care or call us at 407-658-9990