Each year approximately 2 million eye-related injuries occur in the United States. 38,000 of those are sports-related. Fortunately, about 90 percent of those are only temporary or are able to be reversed. The estimated rate of eye injury ranges from 8.2 to 13 per 1000 of the U.S. population. Those under the age or 39 tend to be at the greatest risk of preventable eye injuries. Some basic tips can help prevent or reduce the risk of eye-related injuries, with annual costs estimated at over $10 billion annually out of the $2.3 trillion spent on health care each year in the United States.

Eat Your Veggies

Vegetables such as carrots (loaded with beta carotene) and broccoli (shown to prevent eyesight degradation) can be helpful in maintaining healthy eyesight.

Use Caution With Contact Lenses

Contact lenses should not be used for more than 19 hours at a time as permanent eye damage may occur. If contacts are accidentally left in for longer than 19-20 hours it is best to see your eye doctor ASAP.

Be Careful With Use Of Eye Drops

Eye drops to reduce red eye or for allergies should be used sparingly. Chronic daily use of eye drops can end up making redness and itching worse. Keep in mind that many eye drops should not be used with contacts. Natural remedies, such as placing cold cucumber slices over the eyes for 10 minutes before going to bed, often work better at preventing puffiness.

Choose The Correct Sunglasses

Aside from being fashionable, eye glasses can help protect eyes from UV damage. Be sure that the lenses specifically offer UV protection. Some sunglasses are just a darker tint and will not do much to protect the eyes from the sun's rays.

Monitor Time At Computer Screen

These days it may be hard to avoid looking at a computer screen, but there are a few things you can do to help maintain proper eye care while at the computer. The suggested distance from the monitor is 5-9 inches. Regular breaks are also important. Adjust your monitor to avoid glare and obey the 20/20/20 rule, meaning for every 20 minutes spent looking at the monitor, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps to maintain the eye's ability to focus.

Wear Protective Eye Gear

When playing sports, mowing the lawn or doing anything else that may put your eyes at risk, it is important to wear protective eye gear.

See Your Eye Doctor

The best way to maintain proper vision care is to be see an eye doctor at least once a year. Simple eye tests can detect most potential problems.