Our eyes help us make sense of our surroundings, guide our day-to-day tasks and help us enjoy life to the fullest. We shouldn't take them for granted. 1. Eat the right nutrients
Maintaining a balanced diet is necessary to stay in shape, and the same can be said about eye health. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C, and E can help prevent the two most common causes of eye problems: cataracts and macular degeneration.
Eating healthy is especially important for those with diabetes (or those who have diabetic family members), as they are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, where too much sugar in the bloodstream causes damage to the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, which may harm your vision and even lead to blindness. 2. Exercise regularlyExercise isn't just good for maintaining a trim figure. Having an active lifestyle is essential to control diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which can also result in vision problems over time. 3. Stop smoking
Smoking is not only a common cause of health issues such as lung cancer and heart disease but can also lead to eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. 4. Wear sunglasses and protective gearMore than a stylish accessory, sunglasses play a big part in protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outdoors, as too much UV exposure puts you at risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. For optimal protection, choose a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Additionally, you can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the amount of exposure even further. 5. Opt for blue light lenses
In today's digital era, you're exposed to more blue light than ever, with most of us on our laptops, phones, and other devices for long hours. While blue light isn't entirely bad, excessive amounts could damage the light-sensitive cells found in the retina, exacerbating eye problems and even affecting sleep patterns. 6. Take regular screen breaks
This is a pretty obvious tip that people often neglect. So, consider this as a gentle reminder to be kind to your eyes (and also to your back, neck, and shoulders) by taking a break now and then. A popular method to avoid digital eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which is simply to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. 7. Schedule regular eye exams
They say prevention is better than cure. While children usually have vision screenings and checkups as a requirement for school or other activities, adults often need something more detailed, such as a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This is important as many eye diseases usually have no warning signs, and the only way to detect them is through these exams.
For those who wear glasses or contacts, you will also go through a refraction test to figure out which lenses will give you the clearest vision. On finding the right doctorBefore you take the exam, it's important to select a doctor that you know and trust. Moreover, the type of eye doctor you'll have to visit will also depend on your eye concerns. For example, an optometrist would be a good place to start for primary eye care, but if you think you'll be needing eye surgery, you'll need to seek the help of an ophthalmologist. Adopt healthy habits for lifeOur eyesight has a direct impact on our overall quality of life. |
There have been no reviews