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Get comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis for early detection of common eye diseases that cause blindness such as Glaucoma, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. • Don't smoke. Smoking produces free radicals, increasing your risk of eye disease. • Eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish. • Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. • Protect your eyes from the sun. • Take care of other health problems. Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions. Prevent Blindness
Reduce Eye Strain Reduce glare : choose non-reflective glass screens for your computer monitor and dim overhead lights directly above the computer. Keep reference documents as close to the computer screen as possible and at the same level so that you don’t have to change reading focus as you work. Keep the top ¼ of your computer screen equal with your straight-ahead vision. Blink more often to refocus your eyes. Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
Shield Your Eyes • Always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunburn, regardless of the time of year. • Never look directly at the sun (even with sunglasses on), doing so can permanently damage your eyes. • Look for sunglasses that have: 99% UV protection, grey or brown lenses, polarized lenses with UV protection, lenses that cover the whole eye to block UV rays from sneaking in from the side. • Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap to block sunlight that is directly overhead. • Try photochromic lenses which are clear when you are indoors and then darken in proportion to the intensity of UV rays when you are outside.
Relieve Dry Eyes Ask your eye care provider to recommend an artificial tear solution which can replace needed moisture and provide proper lubrication for normal eye functioning. Use extra drops of artificial tears in climates with low humidity, in air conditioning, and in airplanes or cars when the heater or defroster is on. Avoid hair dryers, harsh winds, overly warm rooms, and cigarette smoke whenever possible. The use of a humidifier to keep natural moisture in the air may help dry eyes. Goggles that cling around the eyes also help lower the evaporation of the eye’s natural moisture.
Protect Your Eyes Always wear effective eye protection if working with dangerous materials. To be effective, the eyewear must be of the appropriate type for the hazard encountered and properly fitted. Wear eyeguards while playing sports, especially polycarbonate eyeguards with lenses that stay in place or pop outward in the event of an accident. When using household chemicals, read instructions and labels carefully, work in well-ventilated areas, and point spray nozzles away from you. Keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car for emergency and every day repairs.
DO: Have regular eye exams. Wear sunglasses with 99% UV protection. Wear eyeguards while playing sports. Wear safety glasses when working with dangerous materials. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Take out your contact lenses before going to bed. Eye Care Do’s and Don’ts • DON’T: • Work in bad lighting. • Use tanning booths or sunlamps which can burn your eyes. • Spread germs by sharing eye cosmetics or eye drops.
Having healthy vision increases your quality of life, and will help you professionally and personally. Regular eye exams not only provide vision correction, but they can detect other medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Visit www.vsp.com to obtain a list of eye care providers and make your eye exam appointment today! Employee Wellness Program 2310 N. First Street, Suite 103 San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 299-5825 www.sccgov.org/wellness
