Habits You Should Adopt to Maintain Retinal Health
Submitted by Michael J. Elman, M.D. on May 21, 2024
The retina is an undeniably important part of our vision. It serves as the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. Therefore, maintaining retinal health is mandatory to preserve clear vision.
It can also help you prevent vision-threatening conditions. The highly skilled doctors at Elman Retina Group want all patients to understand how their lifestyle can influence eye health. In this blog, we’ll discuss why retinal health is important and highlight five habits you should adopt to maintain optimal retinal health.
Why is Retinal Health Important?
The retina is responsible for capturing light and converting it into electrical signals that the brain interprets as images. Damage or deterioration of the retina can lead to vision problems. In such cases, you may experience blurry vision, loss of peripheral vision, and even blindness.
Common retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment can significantly impact your vision. Therefore, prioritizing retinal health can help you maintain clear vision and overall eye health.
5 Habits You Should Adopt to Maintain Retinal Health
Start with a healthy diet. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support retinal health and reduce the risk of retinal diseases. You can incorporate foods such as fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, fish, and nuts to promote eye health.
Avoiding UV light exposure for your eyes is another wise habit. Long-term solar UV radiation exposure can raise the chance of acquiring retinal disorders, including macular degeneration. Even on overcast days, always wear sunglasses that filter entirely UVA and UVB radiation when you’re outside. It will shield your eyes from damaging UV rays.
Moreover, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. If you smoke, you should consider quitting sooner rather than later. Doing so can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions and preserve your retinal health.
At the same time, try to maintain a healthy weight since obesity can also cause various eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Lastly, get regular eye exams. Routine eye checkups can detect early signs of retinal diseases and other eye conditions. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with an eye care professional to monitor your retinal health.
Book Your Regular Retinal Exam in Baltimore
Prioritizing retinal health can maintain clear vision and prevent vision-threatening conditions. By adopting healthy habits and getting regular eye exams, you can support optimal retinal health. If you want to opt for a regular eye examination, contact us at (410) 686-3000 and schedule an appointment with our doctors. Take the next steps to preserve your vision for years to come.
