Many people exercise, eat the right foods, watch the things they drink, etc., to stay healthy. One thing some people do not think about is that they should also keep their eyes healthy. You can do this by eating certain foods, quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses, and by doing a few other things.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is not only bad for your heart, lungs, etc., but it is also bad for your eyes. Each time you smoke, it gets into your eyes even if you do not know it. It can increase your chances of getting cataracts, and it can cause optic nerve damage and macular degeneration. If you have tried to quit before and failed, keep trying. Talk with your doctor if you need more help.

Wear Sunglasses

When you go outside during the day, wear sunglasses designed to protect your eyes from the sun's UV (ultraviolet) rays. Too much exposure to the sun can increase your chances of macular degeneration, and the need for cataracts.

The sunglasses you choose should block 100% of both UVB and UVA rays. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare when you are driving, and wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes from the side. Some contact lenses also offer UV protection.

Eat the Right Foods

There are certain foods you can eat that can help protect your eyes. Nutrients such as zinc, lutein, and Omega fatty acids, and vitamins C and E can help to ward off age related vision problems.  Some of the foods you can add to your diet include:

• Tuna, salmon, and other oily fish.
• Green leafy vegetables such as collards, kale, and spinach.
• Beans, nuts, eggs, and other protein sources.
• Oranges and other citrus juices and fruits.

Look Away From Your Computer

Sitting in front of a computer screen too long can cause problems with your eyes including:

• Blurry vision
• Eye strain
• Dry eyes
• Trouble focusing when looking at a distance

If you have not seen your eye doctor in some time, make an appointment to make sure your contact lenses or glasses prescription is correct, and right for computer use. There are also glasses the doctor can prescribe that will help with eyestrain and glare when using your computer.

Your computer should be positioned so that your eyes are level with the top of your monitor. Not looking directly at the screen, but instead looking down slightly can help. There are also anti-glare screens you can purchase.

Rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking away from the screen. Get up every couple of hours, and take a break for a few minutes.

If you wear contacts, make sure you clean them as often as you are suppose to. Wearing dirty contacts can cause eye infections and more. If you have questions about how to take care of your contacts, a clinic like The Eye Center can help you.