Your eyes are vital for your overall health. But for people who are always busy, this organ can be easy to neglect. This problem can lead to eye diseases and, at worst, vision loss.
Luckily, there are simple ways to take care of your eyesight, even if work and life, in general, are cramping your style. Read on to get the top five practical tips for optimal eye health.
1. Eat Healthy Foods
One secret to good eye health is the food on your plate. Your eyes need nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, and vitamins E and C.
These components help ward off age-related eyesight problems, like dry eyes or glaucoma. To get these nutrients, you will need:
- Green, leafy, and healthy vegetables like kale, spinach, and collards
- Oily fish, like tuna and salmon
- Non-meat protein food such as eggs, beans, and nuts
- Citrus fruits like oranges or tangerines
Healthy meals are not only good for your eyesight, but they also help you maintain a healthy weight. This perk lowers your chances of obesity and obesity-related diseases.
2. Know if You Are at Risk
As you get older, you are more at risk of having some eye diseases. Aside from age, below are other risk factors of developing eye conditions:
- Weight (obese or overweight)
- Genes (a family history of eye disease)
- Race (African American, Hispanic, or Native American)
- Other underlying health conditions (diabetes and high blood pressure)
To know if you are at risk, talk to your ophthalmologist. They can help address your concerns about possible eye diseases.
You should also know your family’s medical history. Talk to your family members to learn if they experienced any eye problems.
Some eye diseases run in families, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration. Tell your doctor if any eye diseases run in your family.
3. Look Away From the Screen
For young adults, staring at a computer screen for hours is typical.
In 2020, Irish adults spent over six hours online, staring at a screen. But, looking at screens for too long can cause:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Eyestrain
- Trouble focusing
- Headaches
- Neck, shoulder, and lower back pain
If you have to work on your computer, you can protect your eyes by using the right prescription glasses. Make sure that the pair you are using must be suitable for looking at a computer screen.
Place the screen so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. Doing so lets you look down at the screen, putting less strain on your eyes.
Try not to expose yourself to glare from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if you need to.
You also need a comfortable chair. A sturdy seat is handy for those working for eight hours straight without moving. Position the chair so that your feet fall flat on the floor.
If your eyes are drying up, blink once or twice or use artificial tears.
Remember to rest your tired eyes every 20 minutes. Look away from your monitor for 20 seconds. Stand up from your seat at least every 2 hours and take short breaks.
If you are experiencing eye strain, talk to your doctor about changing your glasses.
4. Protect Your Eyes
If you are always travelling, you need to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Wear sunglasses that can block 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB radiation.
If you play sports, wear safety glasses and goggles. Do the same if you are doing construction work or home repairs. These protective eyewear are available in sporting goods stores.
If you wear contact lenses, be careful and take steps to prevent eye infections. Wash your hands before touching your lenses to put them in or take them out.
You should also make sure you are buying accessories from trusted stores. You can shop for contact lenses at Designer Optics to ensure your eyes are protected and safe.
5. Visit Your Eye Doctor
Regular visits to the doctor are essential. You need to have your eyesight tested to check for vision problems.
If you think your eyesight is getting worse, you may need a comprehensive eye exam. The test can detect diseases in their early stages when they are easier to treat.
These are simple tips to maintain good eye health. They are easy to follow, even for the busiest adults.