Men and Vision: 10 Tips for Eye Health | Men’s Health Month

Eye and vision problems affect both men and women, but men may be especially at risk for certain eye problems. June is Men’s Health Month. It is a good time for the guys to focus on their well-being, and that includes eye health. Below are 10 ways for men to keep their eyes healthy and maintain good vision. 

​Do not smoke

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men tend to use tobacco products more often than women. Smoking increases your risk of a certain eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit. 

Get enough key vitamins

Getting enough key vitamins, such as Vitamin A and C, along with minerals, including zinc, can help keep your eyes healthy. Good sources of vital nutrients include:

• Red peppers
• Tomatoes
• Oranges
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Strawberries 

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Exercise regularly 

We know that exercise is good for your overall health, but working out and staying physically active may also help you maintain good vision. According to John Hopkins Medicine, a study of 15,000 people found that those that were physically active had less vision loss than people that did not exercise. So, guys, lace up your athletic shoes and aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. 

Pay attention to signs and symptoms

Research suggests that men may be less in tune with the signs and symptoms of various diseases. When it comes to your eye health, recognizing problems early may help you maintain good vision. Signs you should see an eye doctor include:

• Blurred vision
• You have floaters
• Eye pain
• Chronically dry eyes
• Flashes of light 

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Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight increases your chances of various health conditions, such as diabetes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of certain eye diseases. But that’s not all. Obesity is also associated with an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma. 

Manage chronic health conditions

Although most people do not enjoy going to the doctor, men appear to hate it even more than women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a survey of over 1100 men over the age of 18 found that 72 percent would rather do chores, such as cleaning the bathroom, than go to the doctor.

This reluctance to see their physician may increase their risks of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Having a chronic health condition can increase your risk of eye problems down the road but diagnosing and treating chronic health conditions can lower your risk of eye problems. 
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Get enough sleep 

Getting enough sleep allows the body time to heal, rest, and recover. Your eyes also need time to rest. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three adults in the United States do not get enough sleep. Try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. 
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Avoid too much UV exposure

Too much time in the sun can increase your chances of developing skin cancer around the eyes as well as cataracts. Apply sunscreen to prevent skin damage. Be sure to use sunscreen even on cloudy days since the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. Also, consider wearing a cap when you are out in the sun for even more UV protection. 

Protect your eyes

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye injuries when playing sports, such as hockey or baseball. Also, use protective eyewear when doing certain activities that can injure the eyes, such as woodworking or using tools.  

Get regular eye exams

One of the best ways men can keep their eyes healthy is by getting regular eye exams. Eye exams can help diagnose eye diseases in their early stages.

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.