How to Maintain Good Eye Health

With our eyes, we get to enjoy the beauty of the world. But, once they are damaged, it may affect our vision as well as overall health. Yes, as we age our eyesight is affected and the eyes start to lose their sensitivity. However, with a few tips, you can maintain good eye health and prevent degenerative eye diseases. Here are ten tips to help you support your eyes.

1. Watch What You Eat

Your diet plays a crucial role in your eye health. Our eyes need nutrients like omega 3, lutein, vitamin A, C, and E. Furthermore, these nutrients can help reduce the risk of age-related eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Some of the foods to eat in plenty include green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, oysters, oranges and other citrus fruits.

Remember, a balanced diet also helps to maintain a healthy weight which further decreases the risk of having lifestyle diseases such as diabetes. Did you know diabetes can cause retinopathy and other eye problems?

2. Protect Your Eyes

Wearing sunglasses and shades can help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Overexposure to UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts and other eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

When buying sunglasses, you need to choose a pair that can cover about 99 percent of UV rays. It is important to wear sunglasses even if you have contacts.

Additionally, wear safety glasses or goggles when performing activities like mowing the lawn. Also, wear protective gear when playing sports like hockey or any other sport that can hurt your eyes.

3. Quit Smoking

According to recent reports, smoking is linked to eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. Smoking affects your retina and lens thereby casing vision degeneration.

Regular exercise is not only good for your overall weight but also your vision. Some studies have shown a link between exercise and the reduction of eye disease risk.

Furthermore, exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps to prevent diseases like diabetes.

Apart from normal exercises, you need to also engage in eye exercises such as focus change, near and far focus, 20-20-20 rule and figure eight.

5. Get Enough Sleep

We all know good sleep is great for our health. But, did you know it also affects your eyesight? Sleep deprivation causes dark circles, twitching, dry, itchy, and bloodshot eyes. Dry eyes also cause irritation and pain as the eyes are not getting enough lubrication.

Lack of sleep can also cause the eyes to be sensitive to the light.

6. Have Regular Eye Exams?

Regular eye exams are vital for both children and adults as it is easy for the optometrist to detect any eye disease and condition that can damage your vision.

There is a difference between eye exams and vision screening. A vision screening can be done by any health professional and it is done to assess your eyes when you have difficulty seeing.

Eye exams are comprehensive and can only be performed by a qualified eye doctor with the knowledge and experience in eye health. Don’t just walk into any clinic nearby for an exam, but visit a licensed doctor for an eye exam.

7. Proper Lighting

Warm lights such as filtered natural light or LED bulbs are ideal for your eyes. Ensure your house has sufficient lighting in your home and workspace. It is also recommended that you use directed lighting when reading or writing.

8. Avoid Using Computers for Long Periods

Computers produce a blue light that is harmful to your eyesight when used for long periods. It is vital to take frequent breaks when using computers or smartphones. Using these devices for extended periods causes blurred vision, eyestrain, dry eyes, headaches, and neck and back pain.

9. Practice Proper Hygiene

Hygiene is important especially if you wear contacts. Always wash your hands before applying and removing the contacts.

10. Maintain Proper Health

Diabetes and high blood pressure are all linked to eye diseases, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight to keep these diseases at bay.