Our eyes are an invaluable gift that allows us to perceive the world around us, and maintaining good eye health is a vital part of helping us lead independent lives.
By adopting a few simple habits and making some lifestyle changes, the great news is that we can take proactive steps to protect our vision and prevent eye-related issues. To help you keep your optics primed and well-focused, here are ten essential tips for maintaining good eye health.
- Regular Eye Exams
Scheduling regular eye exams is vital if you want to maintain the good health of your peepers! Don’t struggle with any vision problems right now? That’s great news – but it’s still important to schedule routine check-ups with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to be on the safe side. These appointments provide an essential opportunity to detect potential issues early on and treat them before it’s too late.
For example, these professionals can identify conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration in their early stages when they are most treatable.
- Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
We love to bask in the sunshine at every opportunity! Unfortunately, it’s not so enjoyable for our eyes; prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
Consequently, whenever you are outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays and consider donning a wide-brimmed hat for added protection.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
If you eat a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, your general and eye health will benefit. So, what are you waiting for? Fill your fridge with nature’s goodness, including an abundance of leafy greens, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna), citrus fruits, nuts, and colourful veggies.
Not only do they taste good, but these foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions.
- Take Regular Breaks from Screens
These days, we spend an increasing amount of time in front of brightly glowing screens. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision.
To ease these uncomfortable symptoms, follow the 20-20-20 rule. It’s super simple but very effective. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That’s it! This simple practice helps relax the eye muscles and reduce strain.
- Maintain Proper Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for reducing eye strain. Ensure your working and living spaces are well-lit, and avoid glaring or excessively bright lights. Position your computer or other electronic devices to minimise glare and reflection on the screen. Consider using a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and colour temperature to create an optimal working environment.
- Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene
Contact lenses, such as the specially designed varifocal lenses provided by Lenstore, are a popular alternative to glasses. However, if you wear them, you must practice good hygiene to help avoid eye infections.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses, and clean and disinfect them as instructed. Avoid sleeping or swimming with your lenses on, as doing so can increase the risk of infection. Replace your contact lenses regularly, as recommended by your eye care professional.
- Give Your Eyes Adequate Rest
Just like any other part of the body, our eyes need rest to stay healthy! Make sure you get sufficient sleep every night to allow your eyes to rejuvenate as lack of sleep can result in eye fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. If you often experience tired eyes, consider using lubricating eye drops to keep them moisturised and comfortable.
- Reduce Eye Strain at Work
Many people spend a significant portion of their day working on computers or engaging in other visually demanding tasks. To minimise eye strain and promote good eye health, consider implementing the following practices:
Adjust Your Workstation: Position your computer screen at a comfortable distance (typically about an arm’s length away) and slightly below eye level. This positioning helps reduce the strain on your eyes and neck. You should also adjust your screen’s brightness and contrast settings to make your eyes more comfortable.
Use Proper Ergonomics: Do your best to maintain good posture while working. Sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed, and ensure that your chair and desk are properly adjusted to support your body. This posture benefits your overall well-being and helps prevent neck and eye strain.
Use Artificial Tears: Staring at a screen for extended periods can lead to dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops, often referred to as artificial tears, to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Protect Your Eyes During Outdoor Activities
Engaging in outdoor activities exposes your eyes to various elements that can pose a risk to your eye health. Here are some handy tips to help protect your eyes during outdoor adventures:
Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether you’re playing sports, cycling, or working in the yard, wearing protective eyewear is essential. Invest in goggles or sunglasses specifically designed for your activity to shield your eyes from debris, dust, and harmful UV rays. Choose wraparound styles to provide maximum coverage and minimise peripheral light.
Be Mindful of Allergens: It’s great to spend time in the wide open outdoors, but unfortunately, outdoor allergens, such as pollen and mould spores, can cause itchy, red, and watery eyes. To reduce your risk, monitor pollen counts in your area and try to limit spending time outside during peak allergy seasons.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining good eye health is essential for preserving our vision and overall well-being. By following these ten essential tips, we can take proactive steps to protect our eyes and reduce the risk of eye-related issues.
Remember to schedule regular eye exams, protect your eyes from UV rays, maintain a healthy diet, take breaks from screens, and practice good contact lens hygiene. Combine these habits with proper lighting and adequate rest so your whole body benefits!
Finally, finish off with some regular exercise and eye safety practices, and you’re on your way to maintaining optimal eye health throughout your life!