If you are seeing blurry up close or far away, you probably know you need to go to the eye doctor, but what about floaters, red or dry eyes or sensitivity to light?

They may just seem like annoying inconveniences but in reality could be signs of different types of eye disease. May is Healthy Vision Month.  According to the American Optometric Association, adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should have their eyes examined once every two years. For adults 61 and older, it should be annually.

According to the CDC, 14 million Americans age 12 and older have some type of visual impairment. More than 24  million Americans 40 and older have cataracts and more than 2 million Americans 40 and older suffer from glaucoma.

Now that we are kicking off summer it is more important than ever to protect our eyes with UVA and UVB protective sunglasses. They can help us avoid cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer on our eyelids and sunburn of our eyes, yes that is a real thing.    Check these tips for healthy eyes.

 

  • Trinette Reed-Getty Images/Blend Images
    Trinette Reed-Getty Images/Blend Images
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    1

    Eat Right

    Make sure you're eating a nutritious diet with a variety of fruits & veggies. It won't just keep your body healthy, but your eyes too.

  • Dave and Les Jacobs-Getty Images/Blend Images
    Dave and Les Jacobs-Getty Images/Blend Images
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    2

    Wear Sunglasses

    Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and make sure you wear sunglasses when outside, especially in the summer.Look for  sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection.  Polarized sunglasses can reduce glare, and wrap-around sunglasses block out light and glare from the side, as well as the front.

  • Getty Images/EyeEm
    Getty Images/EyeEm
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    3

    Don't Smoke

    Smoking is bad for your lungs, but it can also be bad for your vision. It can affect blood vessels in the eyes, as well as lead to eye disease and blindness.

  • Ezra Bailey-Getty Images
    Ezra Bailey-Getty Images
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    4

    Take a Break from Screens

    Looking at your cell phone, tablet or computer screen for too long can cause eyestrain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule - every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • Thomas Northcut-Getty Images
    Thomas Northcut-Getty Images
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    Get Your Eyes Checked

    The best thing you can do for your vision is to make sure to visit an eye doctor annually. You can update your prescription if needed and make sure your eyes are in good heath.

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