How to take better care of eyes
Eyes are often the most overlooked part when it comes to one’s health care, which really should not be the case. If one takes great care of their eyes, their eyes take care of them. Think of the role eyes play in one’s life. Without them, the individual could not see the beauty that is the world they live in. And if one does not take good care of their eyes, they would not be able to participate in the activities that they so enjoy with an impaired vision.
It is also a sad fact that as we grow older, the age takes a toll on the eye resulting in weakening vision, which might require laser cataract surgery, and infections like styes & chalazion become a common occurrence.
Common issues that arise as we age:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Flashes of light
- Red, dry eyes
- Double vision
- Near-impaired vision
Dry eyes and autoimmune diseases are also associated with lessening eye vision; Rheumatoid Arthritis is one such example.
Here are some ways one could take better care of their eyes:
1. Regular Check-ups
The importance of regular eye checkups cannot be understated. Most ophthalmologists recommend the one should have a comprehensive eye exam every year or two. And if the person has an existing condition like diabetes, they should book an annual dilated eye exam with their ophthalmologist.
According to CDC, the leading cause of blindness under the age of 74 is diabetes.
2. Avoid Rubbing Eyes
Our hands are exposed to a lot on a daily basis, dust, dirt, and all kinds of different bacteria that can be easily transferred from hands to the exposed eyes. The easiest solution for this is to avoid rubbing eyes, but if it is an impossible task, one should wash their hands as often as possible.
3. Protect The Eyes from The Sun
Exposure to UV rays can easily cause cornea sunburn and even increase the chances of someone contracting age-related macular degeneration. Sunglasses are an easy and inexpensive way for one to protect their eyes from UV rays, and if that is not possible, then UV-protected contact lenses and eyeglasses are also suitable options.
4. Stay Hydrated
Regular fluid intact is not only essential for one’s health, but it plays a critical part in the eye’s wellbeing as well. Dry eyes are one of the most common problems one would face daily; to keep their eyes healthy, sufficient fluid intake is highly recommended.
5. Stay Away from Smoking
Smoking is injurious to health, not just for one’s lungs but also for their eye as well. Smoking could easily result in severe eye conditions such as cataracts and make the individual’s eyes more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration.
6. A Balanced Diet is the Way to Go!
A balanced diet is essential for good health and for healthy eyes as well. Sufficient intake of Beta-carotene, Omega 3, Lycopene, Vitamin A, C and E and Lutein are vital for healthy eyes.
7. Maintain A Proper Distance from Room Lighting and Monitor
One of the leading causes of retina damage in the current times is due to the improper distance between a screen and lightings. The screen should be at least an arm’s length away from the eyes as well as 20 degrees below eye level. Similarly, focused and too bright lights are also the reason for severe damages to the eye. One should make sure that the lighting in their room should be sufficient and diffused.
8. Observe The 20-20-20 Rule
The secret for one to keep their health for a long time is to observe the 20-20-20 rule on a daily basis.
- After every 20 minutes, one should look away from their computer screen and fix their gaze on an object that is approximately 20 feet away in the distance.
- To prevent eye dryness, one must blink 20 times successively.
- After every 20 minutes, get up and take 20 steps.
9. Sleep Cycle Is Crucial
It is often the easiest but also the most neglected way one could take care of their eyes. Just like the body, the eyes need sufficient time to recharge too and sleeping time is the only time it can happen. So, one should make taking sufficient sleep a priority for their eye care.
10. Only Use Eye-friendly Make-up
Make-up might look good on a face, but it can severely damage the wearer’s eye as well. So, one should only use make-up products that are eye-friendly and would not cause an allergic reaction. One should not forget to remove make-up before going to bed as well!
These are ten simple ways one can easily take better care of their eyes.
