When it comes to our health, many times we don’t think about it very much until something is wrong. However, many patients try and get their injuries treated ASAP to avoid further complication. The same goes for eye injuries and infections that can lead to significant healthcare problems if left untreated.

During National Eye Care Month this January, our team at AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock wants to offer you tips on how you can start taking better care of your eyes before a problem arises. Eye injuries that are not an immediate emergency can be treated at an urgent care center and walk-in clinic for acute injury treatment.

What Steps Should I Take to Care for My Eyes?

Vision maintenance is a pretty straightforward process that involves making healthy lifestyle choices. According to health experts at the University of Rochester, diet, eye-wear protection, and limiting use of electronics helps to relieve strain on your eyes.

It is important to make sure you are consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. In addition, you want to avoid smoking and wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors—even during the winter season.

In addition, if you work in front of a computer screen, you want to make sure you are taking breaks for your eyesight. Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can cause dry eyes, headaches and double vision.

Common Eye Injuries

The most common types of eye injuries include physical and environmental events that can lead to significant damage if left untreated. Many patients are likely to have one or more of these injuries in their lifetime:

• Scratched eye
• Foreign object in the eye
• Chemical burn
• Eye swelling
• Eye bleeding
• Orbital blowout fracture

What Are Signs That I Might Have an Eye Problem?

There might be a few subtle clues that you are starting to have issues with your vision. For instance, if you have spots or floaters in your vision that do not go away, you want to seek medical attention.

In addition, sudden eye pain, a blind spot in one eye or double vision should also be evaluated by a medical professional.

Ways to Protect Your Eyes

• Wear UVA/UVB sunglasses outside.
• Wear protective eye goggles when at work.
• Wash your hands on a regular basis.
• Wear safety helmets.

Did you experience an eye injury? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock today for a medical evaluation and treatment plan.