Just in time for Healthy Vision Awareness Month in May, the Retina Institute of Hawaii offers the following tips to ensure one's eyesight:

1. Avoid sugar and foods high in saturated fats, as these could lead to the development of diseases like diabetes, which can have devastating effects on vision.

2. Consume essential vitamins and other micronutrients that support healthy vision. For example, vitamins A, C and E and zinc slow the development of advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

3. Incorporate dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale and yellow fruits and vegetables like corn and peaches, as these are good natural sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which may lower the risk of AMD.

4. Quit or decrease smoking, as smoking increases the risk factors for many eye conditions.

5. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which have been linked to the formation of cataracts.

6. Increase exercise, as studies suggest it may reduce the risk of eye conditions like AMD and glaucoma.

7. Schedule an annual eye exam to catch vision problems early.

The National Eye Institute established May as Healthy Vision Awareness Month in 2003 to encourage education on the subject. With a growing aging population and lack of proper vision care, many Americans are not receiving the knowledge and preventative action they need to ensure healthy vision.

As Hawaii's leading ophthalmology specialty practice, the Retina Institute of Hawaii supports patient education and provides vision-saving technology and breakthrough innovations. "At Retina Institute of Hawaii, we are on the cutting edge of technology; however, the key to healthy vision is prevention," says Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon Dr. Gene Ng. "We approach patient care in a holistic manner and encourage everyone to take certain lifestyle measures, such as diet and exercise, as these have a significant effect on vision."

To learn more about healthy vision, visit www.RetinaHawaii.com or call (808) 955-0255 to schedule an appointment.