We’re more than halfway through the summer and I hope you are doing your best to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.  Here are some essential eye health tips to protect your eyes during EVERY season:

Wear UV protective sunglasses:  Our eyes are affected by harmful ultra violet rays. The best way to protect them would be to wear UV protective sunglasses. Make sure you buy polarized lenses, which protect your eyes from UV rays.

Have your eyes examined regularly: It’s recommended that you have your eyes checked at least every two years, even if you have 20/20 vision.  A routine exam will ensure your eyes are in good health, and if you need vision correction. For kids and older adults, it’s best to get eyes checked even more often, perhaps yearly.

Don’t squint or strain your eyes:  Squinting and forcing your eyes to work hard can cause eye fatigue. When your eyes are tired, you can experience headaches and other similar symptoms. Straining your eyes is usually a sign of poor vision, so if you have tired eyes on a regular basis, you may need an eye exam.

Pay attention to warning signs:  If you experience eye fatigue, blurry vision, trouble focusing, headaches, red eyes, sudden loss of vision, and general eye pain, see an ophthalmologist immediately.

Be cautious of what you put in your eyes:  Read the label before using eye drops. Some eye drops aren’t meant to be used while you’re wearing contact lenses. Other eye drops can actually stop working or cause problems if you continue use for too long. Eye drops should typically be used sparingly.

Eat fruits and veggies:  Include a lot of vegetables and fruits in your diet. They not only help you have an improved vision, but assist in keeping your eyes healthy as well. Carrots are full of beta carotene which is good for eye health.  Lack of Vitamin A can cause severe eye damage, so make sure to increase the intake of foods rich in the vitamin.

Don’t smoke:  Studies have shown that smoking causes cataract and macular degeneration, a condition where cells in the retina die.

Wear goggles when necessary: If you are working with chemicals, harmful airborne particulates, or doing a task that places you at risk of an object lodging in your eye, make sure you take preventive measures. Goggles or any other eye protective wear is a must in these situations.

Limit contact lens wear:  Those wearing contact lenses should not extend the duration to more than 12 hours each day.  When worn for a long time, on a continuous basis, contact lenses might cause permanent damage and discomfort.  Never sleep in contact lenses.

– Dr. Jon Siems

As we all inevitably age, so do our eyes. This is reflected in the slow natural degeneration of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects, called Presbyopia. This explains why most middle-aged people need to get reading glasses after being caught holding the newspaper at arm’s length. Common symptoms of presbyopia are decreased focusing ability for near objects, eyestrain and headache. If this sounds anything like you or someone you know, it may be time you to look into treatment for this progressive condition.

At Siems Advanced Lasik Eye Center in Las Vegas, they offer complete eye care for this and all other optic conditions. Dr. Siems and his staff would love to meet with you to not only give you a complete eye exam, but to suggest options for treatment. If you think you are suffering from presbyopia or another condition, you have several options for treatment. Glasses are not the only way. Lasik surgery has been proven to correct this inevitable condition quickly, painlessly and without the need for costly contact lenses or glasses.

Call (702) 948-2010 or visit us at www.siemslasik.com today to schedule an appointment.