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A 20/20 Perspective on 2020
An eye doctor’s tips for healthy eyes all year long

SAN DIEGO, CALIF (Feb 17, 2020) -- According to a recent YouGov survey, the top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2020 are:

1. Exercise more
2. Save money
3. Eat more healthily
4. Lose weight
5. Reduce stress
6. Get more sleep
7. Stick to a budget
8. Focus on spiritual growth
9. Travel more
10. Learn a new skill

All very worthy goals. But here’s another one to consider -- your eyesight.

“There’s no better time to set new intentions for maintaining and improving your vision,” says Sandy T. Feldman MD, Medical Director of Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center in San Diego. “Sticking to resolutions isn’t easy, but nothing is more important than good health.”

Here are some of Dr. Feldman’s strategies for keeping eyes in tip top shape all year long:

WINTER

Eat right. Make sure you eat plenty of leafy greens, fruits in a rainbow of colors and foods with omega-3 fatty acids.

Quit smoking. Smoking is harmful to almost every organ in your body, including your eyes. If you smoke, you are as much as four times more likely to go blind in old age

Book an eye exam. January is a good time to schedule your family's eye exams and take advantage of insurance benefits that cover exams, glasses and contact lenses.

SPRING

Get ready for allergy season. Seasonal allergies can leave you in a fog, with itchy eyes and a runny nose. Pay attention to what triggers your allergies so you'll know what to avoid.

Upgrade your eyewear. Spring fashion trends inspire great new eyeglass frame designs. Visit your eye doctor's office to see what eyewear is in this season.

Invest in sports eyewear. Almost 90 percent of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear. Sports glasses offer eye protection, color enhancement, light control and more.
Wear safety goggles. Spring is a popular time for cleaning, home-improvement projects and gardening, all of which can be dangerous if you're not wearing protective eyewear. You can purchase non-prescription eyewear from most hardware and sporting goods stores.

SUMMER

Get some shades. It's important to wear sunglasses all year long, but especially so during the summer months. Even little kids need protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can damage eyes even on cloudy days. Wearing sunglasses whenever you are outside can reduce your future risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.

Opt for polarized lenses. Don't let glare from the sun ruin outdoor activities like boating, golfing and even jogging. Polarized lenses for sunglasses can help control glare and provide a clearer view with a special filter that blocks intense reflected light.

Wear swim goggles. Never wear contacts while swimming unless you're also wearing goggles. Goggles protect your eyes from waterborne bacteria that can cause sight-threatening diseases, and also sharpen your vision underwater. If you normally wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, look into prescription goggles that can correct your vision and protect your eyes.

Book an eye exam. Children should have comprehensive eye exams before the new school year starts to help detect any vision problems that could affect their learning. In-school vision screenings are not a substitute for a proper exam!

AUTUMN

Rest your eyes. If you're spending more time indoors on a computer, or sit in front of a computer at work, remember to rest your eyes. Follow the "20-20-20" rule -- take a break every 20 minutes and look at something that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Stay active. Don't let the colder weather keep you from exercising. Staying active is good for your entire body and can help protect against diabetes, macular degeneration and more.

Drink lots of water. The fall season can mean drinking more coffee and hot cocoa, but don't forget to continue to drink lots of water. If you don't drink, you can dehydrate your body and in turn not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

“Make your vision as much of a priority as diet and fitness as 2020 gets underway,” advises Dr. Feldman. “Your eyes will thank you for it, both now and many years in the future!”

About Sandy T. Feldman, MD
Sandy T. Feldman MD, Medical Director of Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center, is a world-renowned corneal expert who has successfully performed more than 20,000 refractive procedures. Clearview has been voted Best LASIK center by the San Diego Union Tribune (five times) and by CityBeat Magazine (three times). Dr. Feldman’s many awards include Top Doc San Diego; the Goldline Award, an honor granted to the top 10 laser eye care specialists in the U.S.; and the Silver Elite RealSelf Award. She has also been profiled in publications such as Forbes and Newsweek and makes frequent appearances as an expert commentator on TV talk shows and news programs. Dr. Feldman is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. More details at clearvieweyes.com.

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