We can’t take our eyes for granted. They are so important to our everyday lives that we need to keep them healthy and protected. What many people don’t know is that there are simple ways to preserve good eye health, and many of these tips are not expensive or hard to do. Here are five tips that will keep the eyes healthy and disease-free.
Focus on A Healthy Diet and Exercise
The eyes need nutrients and vitamins just as much as the rest of our bodies. However, sometimes one may not be getting enough of these nutrients through their daily diet. By eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy products, one can absorb nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc that help protect the eyes from disease and infection. Exercise also helps to keep the eyes healthy by increasing circulation to the area.
Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses helps protect the eyes from harmful U.V. rays that can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, which can result in blindness in later years. It also protects against windburn and snow blindness during the colder months when sun exposure increases dramatically. One should always ensure their sunglasses have 100% U.V. protection before buying them.
Don’t Smoke—or Be Around Those Who Do
Smoking is a huge risk to healthy eyes. Smokers are at risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and poor night vision, just to name a few conditions. If one smokes or is around someone who does, it’s time to make changes. If quitting smoking is too difficult, try to avoid smoking around others as much as possible to reduce the risk of developing eye problems caused by second-hand smoke exposure.
Go for Frequent Eye Checkups
Schedule regular eye exams, particularly if one has a family history of eye disease or a condition that could affect their vision, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. A patient will likely undergo tests for prescription lens fitting, astigmatism, and other vision abnormalities during the exam. One can also ask their doctor about eye drops or medications that can help with specific vision problems such as glaucoma.
Look Away from The Computer Screen
When one spends hours in front of the computer screen, the eyes will start to feel strained, and this will affect one’s overall health as well. So, take some breaks from time to time and do exercises like closing the eyes for 10 seconds and then opening them.
