5 Tips on How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
From the moment you wake and until you close them at the end of the day, your eyes help you navigate nearly every aspect of your day. You may take your eyes for granted, especially if you don't wear glasses or contact lenses, but you shouldn't neglect them.
Giving your eyes regular TLC can help you keep them healthy, reducing your risk of infections, eye strain, dry eye, age-related vision problems and more.
If you aren't sure how to take care of your eyes, read on for five helpful tips you can follow every day.
Tip #1. Wear Sunglasses
Whether it's summer or winter, sunny or overcast, sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays that have different effects on the body, which are UVA and UVB. You'll reduce your risk of cataracts, which may develop more quickly when your eyes are exposed to harmful UV light.
Sunglasses also help shield the delicate skin around your eyes from sunlight, which may help to delay the formation of wrinkles around your eyes. When shopping for sunglasses, look for ones that have 99 to 100% protection from both UVA and UVB light.
Tip #2. Follow Proper Eye Hygiene
The viruses and bacteria that cause pink eye and other infections spread easily. Following good hygiene may help you lower your risk of eye infections. Eye care professionals recommend you wash your hands before touching your eyes and avoid rubbing your eyes. If you wear contacts, follow the care instructions to keep your contact lenses clean. Also, avoid sharing eye makeup or washcloths with other people.
Tip #3. Take Screen Breaks
If your job requires you to spend hours every day staring at a computer screen, you may experience computer-related eye strain. Give your eyes a break periodically by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look up from your computer and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Practicing this exercise can help your eyes feel less tired throughout the day.
Tip #4. Eat Well
Have you ever heard that eating carrots is good for your eyes? This is because carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. Other eye-healthy foods rich in vitamin A are deep orange or dark green in color, such as sweet potatoes or spinach.
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are also good for your eyes. If you enjoy leafy greens, add more kale to your diet. Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that help to lower the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Salmon and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help to prevent age-related eye problems.
Tip #5. Get Dilated Eye Exams
You may not think to see an eye doctor if you don't wear glasses, but everyone should get a comprehensive eye exam periodically. It's a simple way to find out about any eye conditions that could cause vision loss without your knowledge.
Eye care professionals recommend that at age 40, everyone should get an eye exam to screen for diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. This should be a routine visit that occurs every year or two at your eye doctor's recommendation. This is especially important if you have a family history of eye problems, as eye doctors can provide preventative care.
During the appointment, an eye doctor will put drops in your eyes to temporarily dilate your pupils so they can more easily see the inside of your eyes. If you’re diagnosed during a dilated exam, you can begin treatment early to help save your vision.
Schedule an Eye Exam
Take care of your vision by scheduling an eye exam at your local The EyeDoctors. To schedule an eye exam with our team of skilled eye care professionals, find a location near you.