Your risks for a number of retinal disorders can be increased or decreased based solely on the lifestyle choices you make. The good news is, it is never too late to start making choices that reduce your risks and improve your overall health. Our San Diego retina specialists offer a range of progressive retinal disorder treatment options, but in nearly every case will also recommend lifestyle changes that can help facilitate better health and reduce additional damage to your eyes.

Lifestyle choices that negatively impact vision include:

• Unmaintained chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Being overweight
• Eating an unhealthy diet

Much of the damage these risk factors can cause is irreversible. Adopting a healthy lifestyle before vision loss occurs remains the best way to help slow or prevent its onset.

You can reduce your risks for retinal disorders by making healthy choices. These include getting at least 90 minutes of exercise every week, eating a well-balanced diet high in natural and fresh foods, reducing your consumption of alcohol, and managing all preexisting conditions. As for tobacco use, quitting immediately is your best option. The effects of smoking on visual health are often irreversible, but stopping now will prevent additional damage from occurring.

Our California retina specialists take a comprehensive approach to treating complex vision disorders that often includes lifestyle modifications for optimal success. To learn more or to schedule an appointment at our Chula Vista or El Centro office, please contact  American Eye Associates today.