It can be easy to take it for granted, but your vision is an important part of your health and overall quality of life. It takes intentionality to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and strong so you can enjoy a lifetime of good vision. These tips can help you prioritize your eye health, enabling you to minimize damage and lower your risks for deterioration, disease, and complications with your eyesight.
1. Have Your Eyes Checked Every Year
Routine eye exams are important, whether you need glasses or contact lenses or if you have 20/20 vision. Having your eyes checked allows doctors to inspect for abnormalities or issues that are often unnoticeable until serious side effects and damage start to occur. Many issues can be minimized or prevented with early detection and treatment.
For example, macular degeneration, which eventually causes loss of vision, can be slowed significantly when detected early enough. Lifestyle changes and medications can help you maintain your eyesight for years longer in these situations.
Vision health is also a window into your overall health. Your eye doctor may notice changes to your eyes that can point to other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or vascular issues.
2. Take Proper Care of Your Contact Lenses
Contacts are convenient, beneficial, and perfectly safe when used as directed and properly cared for. However, if you wear your contact lenses for longer than your doctor instructs you to, it could cause problems with dryness, irritation, and even infection or eye damage.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts. Clean and store them properly using the right solution and storage case. Be sure to clean and replace your contact case as needed.
3. Add More Colorful Foods to Your Diet
Your eyes need a wide variety of nutrients to stay robust and strong. One of the simplest ways to support eye health is to eat a nutritious diet. Getting your daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables is just the beginning; for healthier eyes, eat a varied selection in numerous colors. Dark green, red, yellow, and orange produce all have different nutrients to support healthy vision.
In addition, make sure you are getting enough of these ingredients, which are essential for good eye health:
- Lutein
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin E
Finally, keep your body well hydrated and stay active to promote healthy circulation to your eyes.
4. Take Steps to Minimize Eyestrain
In a world where technology has become an everyday essential, eyestrain is becoming more and more common. This can lead to fatigue that results in trouble focusing, as well as muscle tension and headaches. Chronic eyestrain can have a negative impact on your vision.
To reduce eyestrain, start by limiting the time you spend looking at electronic screens. Take breaks whenever possible. Choose a larger text size on your computer and when reading books. Ask your doctor if reading glasses would be beneficial for you.
You can also reduce eye strain by ensuring you have enough proper lighting in your home, especially when reading. Avoid driving at night whenever possible.
5. Always Protect Your Eyes From Damage and Injury
Take steps to shield your eyes from damage and prevent unnecessary injury. First and foremost, sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are recommended every time you’re outdoors, even if only for a few minutes. Too much sun exposure can be very harmful to your eyes.
Also, take steps to put eye safety first and wear protective eyewear often, especially when working with tools. Experts recommend donning a pair of safety glasses any time when you are working with potentially damaging materials, such as gardening, working in the yard, and even crafting. Follow your workplace’s recommendations for eye safety and consider wearing protective eyewear while playing certain sports as well.
6. Practice Good Eye Hygiene
Keeping your eyes clean is an essential step in protecting your health. First and foremost, wash your hands properly and often, especially after using the restroom, when you’re out in public, and before eating or touching any part of your face. Avoid rubbing your eyes, even when they are irritated, and opt for soothing eye drops instead. This can reduce the number of bacteria and foreign particles you introduce to your eyes.
Maintaining healthy eyes is important but doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, along with these tips, to keep your eyes in great shape for life.
