Health Tip: Protecting Your Eyes

(HealthDay News) -- There are important steps you should take to keep your eyes healthy and prevent vision problems.

Here are suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Have regular checkups performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They should be done at least annually if you are older than age 65 or if you have diabetes.

• Have an eye exam if you notice any changes in vision, including blurriness, dimness, blind spots, or halos around lights.

• Wear sunglasses whenever you're outside.

• Avoid too much alcohol and cigarette smoking.

• Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.

• If you are diabetic, keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.

• Eat foods that have plenty of antioxidants, such as leafy greens and vegetables.