Boost your eye-Q for healthier eyes

While many people are resolving to by more healthy in 2010, it is often easy to take good vision for granted, but there are ways to help maintain eye health.

"Pretty much the eyes take care of themselves, but studies have shown that wearing sunglasses and reducing sun exposure to the eyes can reduce the risk of macular degeneration," said Dr. John Kinder, an ophthalmologist with Eye Consultants in Cape Girardeau. Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for the sharp vision used in reading and driving.

Contrary to popular belief, sitting too close to the television will not harm the eyes and crossing the eyes will not cause them to become stuck in that position, Kinder said. One thought he does uphold is that eating carrots will provide better vision.

"There is probably some truth to it. Carrots have antioxidants, and they have been shown to be helpful to the eyes," he said.

Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of green, leafy vegetables can provide eyes with the nutrients they need to stay healthy, Kinder said. The National Eye Institute found in a recent age-related eye disease study that diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc helped protect the eyes by reducing damage related to oxidizing agents.

Dr. John Kinder, right, examines Frank Chong Monday, January 4, 2010, at Eye Consultants, Inc., in Cape Girardeau. (Kit Doyle)

As the body ages, the eyes age as well, prompting routine examinations for individuals that have not have regularly seen an eye care professional in the past.

"People age 60 and older should receive a yearly eye exam, especially if there is a family history of glaucoma. If there is that history, they probably need to be seen more often," Kinder said.

While glaucoma, a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, is common in the older population, it is not the most common threat facing the aging eye, he said.

"Cataracts is the most common issue seen in older patients. Cataracts is when the lens becomes cloudy. It is generally easy to fix, and the vision ends up much better than it was before," he said.

Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and shading eyes from direct sunlight can help reduce the chance of developing cataracts, he said.

Dr. John Kinder charts a patient Monday, January 4, 2010, at Eye Consultants, Inc., in Cape Girardeau. (Kit Doyle)

Eye diseases and poor vision can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Kinder said there are a few warning signs that should prompt a visit to an eye care professional.

"If you have blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness or floaters, you should have it checked," he said.

Protecting eyes from occupational hazards is also important, Kinder said.

"Wearing safety goggles while operating a chain saw, a lawn mower or power tools can reduce the chance of injury to the eye," he said. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that every day 2,000 American workers require medical treatment for a work-related eye injury.

Staring at a computer screen all day -- whether for work or play -- won't harm your eyes, but it will cause them to become tired or dry, according to "The Aging Eye: Preventing and treating eye disease," a special health report from Harvard Medical School.

Frank Chong receives an eye exam Monday, January 4, 2010, at Eye Consultants, Inc., in Cape Girardeau. (Kit Doyle)

People who spend a lot of time in front of a computer tend to blink less often, causing eyes to feel dry and tired, the report said. With any close work activities like using a computer, reading or sewing, rest your eyes every hour or so to lessen the effects.