Plus Why It’s Important to Educate Patients on Protecting their Vision
Sight is one of the five senses. For the majority of us, sight is how we navigate the world around us. It allows us to see where we are going, navigate potential hazards, and enjoy the colors and sights of the world we live in.
But eyesight can fade with age or due to diseases.
Why It’s Important to Educate Your Patients
Most patients want to keep their vision great, but they may not always know what to do at home to keep their eyes healthy and their vision clear. For some patients, they may not realize what they have until it’s gone. Regardless of your patients’ interest or knowledge base, it’s key that you educate your patients not only on the overall importance of eye health but on what they can do to keep their eyes healthy and their vision clear.
1 | A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet helps improve overall health, but including certain foods can specifically support the eyes. Encourage patients to eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies, particularly:
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
- Veggies (raw red peppers, carrots, squash, broccoli, brussels sprouts)
- Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, halibut)
- Beans and legumes (chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lentils)
- Seeds and nuts (sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts)
- Lean meats and eggs
2 | Vitamins and Supplements
If eating healthy isn’t enough, you might recommend vitamins and supplements to your patients. Some of the recommended nutrients include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Zinc
- Lutein
- Calcium
- Folic acid
- Omega-3 essential fatty acids
3 | Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase a patient’s risk for certain diseases of the eye, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Encourage patients to kick the habit, working with a health care provider if needed.
4 | Eyewear and Protection
Sunglasses and protective eyewear for hazardous jobs are extremely important. Recommend patients wear sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent blockage of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses can help protect eyes even more. Safety eyewear should be used when injury to the eye could occur, including on the job or while playing sports. Don’t forget to also talk to patients about eye strain that can occur from looking at screens for long periods of time, and the importance of taking eye breaks.
5 | Routine Exams
Finally, encourage patients to get routine eye exams. This will allow you to catch any changes in eye health early on, providing a possible better prognosis for the patient. After an exam that includes dilation, be sure to provide Rollens to your patients. Dilation can cause discomfort and vision impairment for a period of time. Without protection, a patient’s eyes can get damaged.
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