You can prevent certain eye health issues from occurring by practicing proper eye care habits. These routines are easy to follow and will help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. Below are seven tips for at-home eye care.
1. Don't stare at your computer screen for too long.
Using your computer for hours without proper eye protection can cause blurry vision, headaches, dry eyes, and eye strain. To keep your eyes safe, ensure that you use contacts or glasses ideal for looking at a computer screen.
Whenever possible, use an anti-glare screen. Give your eyes a break by looking away from your computer every 20 minutes. You can also use artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated.
2. Eat a balanced diet.
Your eye health will benefit from foods that supply proper nutrients like lutein, Vitamin C, zinc, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Ensure that your diet contains:
- Leafy vegetables
- Oily fish
- Citrus fruits
- Nonmeat protein sources
Additionally, eating healthy meals keeps your weight in check and lowers your chances of obesity. If left untreated, Type 2 diabetes and other diseases related to excess weight may lead to blindness.
3. Use sunglasses.
Excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays may cause macular degeneration and cataracts. Luckily, a good pair of sunglasses can block 100% of UV rays. Besides making a fashion statement on a sunny day, wearing your favorite pair of sunglasses will also protect your eyes.
Some contact lenses offer UV protection. However, if you use them, sunglasses can provide an extra layer of protection.
4. Avoid smoking.
Smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration, damaged optic nerves, cataracts, and other age-related eye diseases. If you have trouble controlling the urge to smoke on your own, seek help from your doctor.
5. Choose the right eye makeup.
If you wear makeup, it's important to choose brands that don't compromise your eye health. Avoid mascara, eyeliners, or eye shadows that are known to cause allergic reactions. Also, ensure that you wipe off your make-up before you sleep and keep your makeup brushes clean. These routines prevent bacteria buildup caused by residual makeup left around the eyes.
6. Keep your environment clean.
Exposure to mold, pollen, or pet dander can cause eye allergies. You may end up with itchy, red, or teary eyes. You can prevent these sources of eye discomfort by ensuring that your surroundings are clean. For instance:
- Close doors and windows that may draw dust or pollen into your house
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Wipe dusty surfaces with a damp cloth
- Change your sheets and towels regularly
- Bath pets to reduce dirt and dander
Always Seek Professional Help for Consistent Problems
A regular eye exam is an important part of maintaining your eye health. Because some eye diseases have no symptoms, professional care is vital to spot the signs and start treatment early. Your eye health is essential to your overall wellbeing. Visit Global LASIK & Cataract Institute for personalized vision care.