When it comes to our health, we’re constantly told the importance of regular exercise, looking after our teeth and gums and watching our waistlines. However, if there’s one organ you need to be paying close attention to, it’s your eyes. After all, good vision is what allows you to see the world and all the beauty that’s within it.
Maintaining excellent eye health will ensure you enjoy clear vision for a lifetime. Here are some simple steps you can take today to achieve just that.
Regular Eye Examinations
Most importantly of all, make sure you’re having regular check ups with an optician. These professionals can thoroughly examine your eyes, look for any vision issues and either give you the all clear or provide advice on methods to improve your vision. Timely identification of eye problems is essential for preventing potential complications while ensuring the best possible care for your eyes. You can find an optician on just about every high street so there are no excuses not to book an appointment!
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
When summer rolls into town and temperatures soar, you’re bound to want to get outside and soak up the ways. However, when you do, make sure you’re looking after your eyes. What you may not know is UV rays can be damaging to your eyes and lead to conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Before stepping outside, it’s wise to throw on a pair of sunglasses. Just make sure to buy sunglasses that feature a protective UV coating. Finally, avoid looking into the sun without your shades on! Doing so can be incredibly damaging to your vision over time.
Practice Proper Screen Time Habits
It seems like just about everyone these days owns a smartphone. You only have to go on public transport or walk up and down the high street to find lots of people glued to their screens. Many of us are spending long hours browsing social media, watching TikTok’s and surfing the web which can cause eye discomfort and eye fatigue. If you spend a lot of time behind a screen whether it’s for work or pleasure, make sure you’re taking breaks to give your eyes a rest. You can also adjust your screen’s brightness and position it at eye level. Doing so can go a long way in protecting your eyes.
Practice Proper Contact Lens Care
For those who wear contact lenses, it’s paramount you follow proper hygiene and care instructions. Make sure to clean and store your lenses as advised, and never sleep in them unless instructed by your eye care professional. Should you ignore advice and do this, you’re at a higher risk of infections and other complications. Check out Lenstore who are experts when it comes to contact lenses and eye care. They offer Acuvue Max contact lenses that can provide crisp, clear vision at all lighting conditions and distances.
Eat Well
It’s drilled into us to eat our 5 fruits and vegetables each day. A well-balanced diet is brilliant for keeping your weight in check, lowering blood pressure, and supporting your muscles and joints. However, eating well can also bring numerous benefits to your eye health. Stick with foods like colourful fruits, leafy greens, and nuts. A healthy diet packed full of vitamins and minerals can provide nourishment for your eyes. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s wise to speak to your GP or nutritionist who can advise on specific dietary recommendations.
Keep Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall health, including your eyes. Make sure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water each day. This will help in preventing dry eyes while keeping them lubricated. Get into the habit of drinking eight glasses of water daily. A lack of water causes dehydration to set in. What’s more, dehydration can cause your eyes to appear discoloured, darker, sunken, or hollow.
Give Your Eyes a Break
For those who spend prolonged periods performing visually demanding tasks, like reading or using a computer or laptop, remember to take regular breaks. Frequent short breaks enable your eyes to relax and rejuvenate. You’ll also find having breaks will prevent eye strain. When you’re having a rest, you may benefit from going in a dark room and shutting your eyes for 5 minutes. Just make sure to get into the habit of doing this to prevent any long-term damage to your vision.
Avoid Smoking
Let’s face it, there are no health benefits attached to smoking. Aside from smelling unpleasant, tobacco can wreak havoc on your vision. This is because smoking increases the risk of developing eye conditions like dry eyes and cataracts. There’s never a bad time to pack the habit in for good. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can drastically improve your eye health. We appreciate giving up is easier said than done. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources and stop smoking tips to take on board that can assist you on your journey.
Practice Proper Eye Safety
Whether you work with tools, participate in sports, or handle hazardous materials, always make sure you’re wearing appropriate eye protection. Safety glasses or goggles will shield your eyes from potential injuries while helping to prevent accidents that could permanently damage your vision.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can significantly heighten your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions which can affect your vision. By adopting a healthy lifestyle like factoring in regular exercise and eating well, you can lower your risk of developing eye diseases linked with weight-related conditions. Make sure you’re getting at least 150 minutes of exercise each week Whether this is in the form of going for a jog, hitting the gym, or a brisk walk, physical activity is excellent for keeping your vision in check.
Known as the windows to the soul, you need to do everything possible to protect your eyes and keep your vision in check. It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of them! Prioritising your eye health now will ensure you enjoy a lifetime of beautiful, vibrant vision.
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