When it comes to your health, it’s very easy to overlook your eyes – until you’re trying to read the fine print on something and having to move the item back and forth trying to focus it in! But that shouldn’t be, especially how much you depend on your vision for everyday activities. A recent study shows that more than 70% of people consider losing their eyesight as having the biggest impact on their lives. Taking care of your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. It only involves taking little steps to ensure that it is always in good health and reduce your chances of developing eye-related problems as you grow older. Here are some ways you can care for your eyes.
1. Eat a balanced diet
The foods and nutrients that you consume daily can affect your eye health. Eating a more balanced diet reduces your risk of developing eye diseases and other disorders. Ensure that you eat foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Leafy green vegetables are excellent sources, as well as fruits and other citrus fruits. Healthy fats in nuts and salmon high in Omega-3 are also good for improving your eye health. Nutrients such as vitamin A, C, D, and E support eye health and function. It would be best if you also remembered to always stay hydrated. Drinking water regularly is a surefire way of preventing dry eye symptoms.
2. Quit Smoking
Many people associate smoking with causing lung cancer and heart diseases. However, most people don’t know that smoking can also lead to vision loss. Studies show that regularly smoking can increase your risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, among many others.
The toxins you inhale when smoking usually ends up in your bloodstream, then distributed to your eyes. When this happens, it can also affect the tissues surrounding your eyes, causing puffiness and eyelid disorders. It can also cause you to develop yellow eyes eventually. If you are struggling to quit smoking, ensure that you seek help from your doctor.
3. Wear Prescription Glasses
Many people do not like to wear their prescription glasses for several reasons. These might include feeling unattractive, getting teased, or feeling more comfortable without them. But some people also fear that prescription glasses will further weaken their eyesight. However, wearing eyeglasses does the opposite. They not only correct your vision but also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You can also get prescription sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s rays while you are out and about. If you are worried about how you will look in glasses, you can purchase many stylish pairs that suit your look and personality. You can start by browsing and buying glasses online.
4. Limit Your Screen Time
If you’re like most people, you probably spend a ton of your time using digital devices like cell phones and laptops most of every day. But these devices emit blue light waves that can damage your eyes with time. Wearing blue-light-blocking glasses or taking supplements like zeaxanthin and lutein to help your eyes filter out blue light.
You must also keep your eyes at least 20 to 24 inches away from your eyes to minimize the amount of glare. Because people typically do not often blink when behind the screen, it would help to consciously blink. Ensure that you also rest your eyes by taking a break around the clock. You can also use the 20-20-20 rule when working long hours behind a screen. This practice involves focusing on an object 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
5. Get Regular Eye Exams
Many eye health experts recommend that all adults ensure they visit their eye doctor every year or other year to receive a comprehensive eye exam. In some circumstances, you may need the help of eye surgeons to ensure that your eyes stay healthy. These experts know what they’re doing when it comes to your health and they will happily advise you on what to do. Seeing a doctor is a must if you’re worried about the health of your eyes. This practice is extremely important because most eye diseases appear with little to no symptoms or warning. Conditions like glaucoma and presbyopia occur with age, so you must ensure you have regular checks made, especially if you are above 40 years old.
With regular eye exams, even if you can see clearly or have 20/20 vision, your eye health professional can identify any conditions in their early stages. Eye diseases caught early are much easier to treat before serious symptoms appear. You should take your eye exams seriously if you have a family or genetic history of developing serious eye diseases or conditions or have any diseases that might affect your vision if care isn’t taken.
Taking care of your eyes is simple, and many of these habits are crucial for your eyes and overall health. Ensure that you follow any special recommendations from your doctor regarding your eye care. Don’t take your eyes for granted.
