It’s almost the New Year - a time for new beginnings and fresh starts, as we make promises to live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. This year, make it a point to take care of your eyes too!

Here are a few things you can do to protect the health of your eyes in 2018:

1. Wear Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is not only fashionable but also protects your eyes from damaging UVA & UVB rays. Not wearing protective eyewear while enjoying the outdoors can contribute to cataract formation, macular degeneration, skin cancer and wrinkles. Before you head out the door for your daily run, to hit the waves, or conquer the trail, make sure you are protecting those peepers.

2. Super Foods Equal Super Eyes

Eating a healthy diet is a major contributing factor in improving our quality of life. We all know carrots are good for your eyes, but there are a lot of other yummy foods that contain antioxidants that help protect your eye health. Blueberries contain vitamins A, C, E and zinc which fight inflammation and promote ocular health. Green leafy vegetables contain carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin which play an important role in preventing retinal changes associated with macular degeneration.. Omega 3 fatty acids are an important anti-inflammatory component in treating dry eye disease and can be found in foods such has fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and many supplements.

3. More Water and Less Caffeine

With cooler temps and an increase in exercise we tend to reach for the hot coffee or relaxing tea, but too much caffeine can cause dehydration in the body and eyes. By drinking at least eight, 8oz glasses of water a day you can increase your daily calorie burn while keeping your skin and eyes hydrated.

3. Be Cautious with Makeup Choices

Okay ladies, we all love to try the newest makeup trends, but before you fill your cart be sure to read the labels. Using hypoallergenic products can help reduce makeup related irritation of the eye and the delicate skin around it. Make sure you are thoroughly removing your eye makeup at the end of the day, not doing so can clog the oil glands which can lead to styes and a cascade of dry eye issues down the road.

4. Put Your Phone Down

Probably the most effective way to improve our quality of life this year is to simply put down the phone. With technology today, we can work anywhere at any time, communicate more easily, and educate ourselves more effectively on worldly matters. Although these are all great benefits to technology, it also can cause us to ignore the people sitting right next to us, miss the breathtaking views, and cause damage to our eyes.

If you experience eye discomfort, redness, blurry vision or headaches while using your digital devices, then you are most likely suffering from Digital Eye Strain – and it only worsens with increased use. Ask us about specialty lenses and coatings designed for digital eye strain.

5. Schedule Your Eye Exam

Get a jump start on the New Year and contact us to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your whole family. A comprehensive eye exam can detect vision issues as well as underlying health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and more.

Stop by our optical boutique located in Blue Mountain Beach to select a new pair of luxury eyewear to suit your personality and style. We are proud to have partnered with independent eyewear companies from around the globe such as Anne et Valentin, Bevel, Etnia Barcelona, L.A. Eyeworks, 141 Eyewear, Masunaga and Zero G.

At Optikk 30A, it is our commitment every year to provide excellent patient care. Cheers to a healthy and happy 2018!