Easy to Follow Tips for Healthy Eyes

Use as many ingredients as possible and visit Dr. Paul Trapeni Jr. in Smyrna, TN to be sure the recipe has turned out right. In all seriousness, there are several things that can be done to ensure eye health is protected. Some of these tips will seem like common sense, but others have emerged since technology has grown more prominent in everyday life.

1. Eyes need healthy nourishment. Believe it or not, eyes benefit from a healthy diet, just like the whole body. Spinach, kale and collard greens are among favorites to promote eye health. Fruits and vegetables of any type are on the top of the list though, so crunch away. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and tuna have also been found to provide positive benefits for healthy eyes.
2. Schedule regular eye exams. Long-term health of the eyes is best maintained through early detection of common eye diseases. Dilated pupil exams or use of the Optomap allow Dr. Trapeni and the highly trained staff at The Optical Shoppe to detect and then treat things like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration before vision is severely impaired.
3. Share family eye health history. Many eye diseases are hereditary. It is vital to share whether any family members have been diagnosed with an eye disease. Like most health conditions, people with a family history tend to be at a higher risk for developing the same conditions. Catching disease early improves outcome immensely.
4. Be aware of air quality. Dry air is not great for eyes. Many homes and offices have heating systems that cause air to dry out eyes. If so, a humidifier is highly recommended. Tears help wash away irritants, so overly dry eyes may get red and itchy. If there are pets in the home, try to keep them from the areas you sit and sleep on to prevent irritation. Dander and hair circulate in the air and causes irritation for many people.
5. Screen breaks are a must. Eye strain caused by too much time in front of the computer is not good for the eyes. There is a 20-20-20 rule that should be followed by people who stare at screens all day. After 20 minutes of work, look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or more. It is also ideal if a distance of about an arm’s length is maintained between the screen and eyes. Ironically, it is not just the strain from focusing on the screen that can be harmful. When a person is concentrating, they blink half as many times as normal. Blinking brings fresh tears to the eye to wash away irritants and moisten the surface of the eye.

Dr. Paul Trapeni Jr. is the Smyrna Optometrist to see for quality eye care checks. Dr. Trapeni has been helping his patients keep their eyes healthy for over 25 years. He will be happy to answer any questions regarding how to best protect eye health for years to come.

Dr. Paul D. Trapeni JrAt The Optical Shoppe, we're dedicated to optometry excellence under the guidance of Dr. Paul D Trapeni. Serving the Smyrna community since 1989, Dr. Trapeni is a trusted member of the community, bringing general and specialized optometry care to individuals and families throughout the area.