Your eyes reveal a lot about your overall health. Having a vision insurance plan, and using the benefits it offers, is the most effective way to maintain healthy eyes. 

June is Cataract Awareness Month. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There is no proven way to prevent age-related cataracts. However, choosing a healthy lifestyle can slow the progression of cataracts. Some ways to delay the progression of cataracts include avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to UV rays, eating healthy foods, and wearing proper eye protection to prevent eye injury. A vision insurance plan can be important to your overall eye health.

The most important step you can take to keep your eyes healthy is to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Many common eye diseases often have no warning signs, but a dilated eye exam can detect these diseases in their early stages.

Eye Health and Preventive Care

It’s pertinent to check the details of any plan you’re considering. If your group health plan doesn’t include vision coverage, you can buy a “stand-alone” vision insurance plan to reduce your vision care expenses.

Most vision insurance plans will cover the following:

• Comprehensive eye exam
• Eyeglass frames
• Contact lenses
• Discounts on laser eye-correction surgery

Usually, vision benefits last for 12 months and start either when you purchase your benefits directly or when the new benefit year starts through your employer. Check your benefit details, so you’re sure when your plan coverage begins and ends.

Foods for Eye Health

Like other parts of your body, your eyes thrive on nutritious foods. Research suggests that a healthy diet may help prevent several serious eye problems.

Set your sights on these vision-friendly choices.

Take a close look at these six tips for nutrient-packed foods and drinks that may do your eyes some good:

• Kale. 

This fan-favorite is loaded with two antioxidants: zeaxanthin and lutein. They may be linked to a lower risk of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which destroys central vision. You can get these nutrients from other dark green, leafy veggies, such as spinach and romaine lettuce.

• Carrots. 

You may have heard that nibbling on carrots is a sight-saver. Here’s why: The orange color in carrots is a clear indication that they’re high in beta-carotene, which may help slow AMD progress. Other orange-colored fruits and veggies, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and apricots, are also easy on the eyes. And beta-carotene has a bonus benefit: It may help you maintain good night vision.

• Fish.

Certain fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats may help keep eyes healthy as we age. You can also look for omega-3’s beyond the sea: Think walnuts or chia seeds.

• Citrus.

See your way to more citrus. The vitamin C in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, may help protect against cataracts and AMD. Other C-rich foods include cantaloupe, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.

• Green Tea.

Green tea contains catechins. Those are plant compounds that may help lower the risk of cataracts and AMD.

• Legumes. 

Peas, beans, and other legumes contain a must-have mineral: zinc. It may help protect eyes from the damaging effects of light. Another easy way to get zinc: Snack on a handful of peanuts. They’re a legume, too.

As we live longer, the number of people with eye diseases will increase. A study sponsored by the National Eye Institute identifies age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts as the most common eye diseases in Americans 40 and older. This study emphasizes the importance of a complete yearly eye examination to help prevent, delay, and treat eye diseases.

Group Vision Insurance Plans and Stand-Alone Vision Insurance

Group vision insurance plans help your employees keep their vision healthy so that they can keep helping your business grow and succeed. 

No group vision insurance plan? No problem. You can opt to purchase vision insurance plans independent from an employer for one or all family members.

At McLain, Pierce & Associates, we can help you select the best group vision insurance plan or stand-alone vision plan.