January is National Eye Care Month. The Lancaster County Office of Aging has offered information on protecting one's eye health.

Maintaining regular eye appointments is a critical factor in preventing and managing eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and possible blindness, including cataracts, which is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults; diabetic retinopathy, which causes damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye; glaucoma, which can cause damage to the optic nerve; and age-related macular degeneration, the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive tissue in the eye. Regular eye care appointments can help people and their providers to keep up to date on any changes in patients' vision and eye care needs.

People should maintain their blood sugar level, as those who have diabetes are more prone to eye problems. Managing one's blood sugar levels can help prevent eye issues and other complications.

Having a healthy blood pressure is important in reducing one's risk of developing vision problems, such as hypertensive retinopathy or optic neuropathy. People may speak with their medical provider regarding their risk factors.

Additionally, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, including kale, spinach and collard greens, can lower a person's risk of long-term eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which affects a person's central vision. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C and E may be particularly helpful.

People should limit mobile phone, computer and television screen time and take a break every 20 minutes. Spending too much time staring at a screen can cause eye strain.

To avoid the risk of infection, people should always wash their hands thoroughly before touching their eyes. They should avoid rubbing their eyes with their hands and use a clean tissue instead.

Wearing sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B radiation-protected lenses can shield the eyes from the sun's potentially harmful rays.