Everyone should visit their optometrist every one to two years for a regular dilated eye exam. With more and more business industries adapting to digital platforms, there is a rise in concern for subsequent eye problems that may occur as a result of this change. Although some of these activities can be unavoidable, taking the necessary steps to protect your eyes can save you a headache later down the line. To help keep your eyes functioning at their best, here are 6 tips for how you can take care of your eyes daily.
Diets are surprisingly helpful when trying to practice daily eye care. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which protects the eyes against infections and diseases. Zinc and other minerals that help promote proper vision are abundant in eggs, grapes, and dark berries. Similarly, carrots are known to be associated with the improvement of eyesight. Composed of beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene, these carotenoid pigments are broken down into vitamin A to be used to protect the eyes from sun damage and UVB radiation. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and kale contain antioxidants and other nutrients that protect the eyes from problems such as cataracts. Types of fish, such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids which improve memory and brain function. The next time you are out grocery shopping, keep an eye out for foods packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like these to aid your eye health.
Whether it be on a screen or just general ambient lighting, make sure that your light is not too bright or dim while working. Lower intensity bulbs are ideal to use for your work area, but that is not always possible. Adjusting your computer’s brightness, text size, and contrast to properly suit your vision needs will help reduce your chances of experiencing computer vision syndrome, a type of eye fatigue that strains the eyes. You can also use a glare filter for your monitor to protect your eyes from excess glare.
No matter what activity you are doing, wear the appropriate eye safety gear to make sure that your eyes are protected. If you are planning to go swimming, pool goggles will help avoid exposing your eyes to harsh chlorine. Meanwhile, if you are attempting a DIY project at home, safety glasses can protect your eyes from dust particles, bacteria, and other facial injuries. Wearing sunglasses, despite how bright it is outside, protects the eyes against exposure to UVA and UVB rays as well.
In order for your eyes to function, muscles in the eye need adequate rest to avoid stress. If you work on a computer all day, following the simple 20-20-20 rule can help improve your eye function. The 20-20-20 rule is suggested by doctors to break up your day and relax your eyes. It is recommended that every 20 minutes, you look away from your computer monitor and fix your gaze on an object that is 20 feet away from you. During that time, blink 20 successive times to prevent eye dryness. By changing the scenery and allowing your eyes to rehydrate, your body can conduct any necessary maintenance.
Your hands are exposed to a lot of dust, dirt, and bacteria throughout the day, all of which can be easily transferred each time you rub or touch your eyes. To avoid this, be sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid hand contact with your eyes. Cleaning your glasses and contact lenses can also help in the reduction of germs around the eyes.
Appropriate fluid intake is essential to the body’s overall well-being, including the health of your eyes. Thoroughly hydrating throughout the day will prevent your eyes from becoming dry and irritated as the day goes on. If regular hydration does not seem to be working, artificial tear treatments such as TrueTear alleviate symptoms associated with dry eyes and irritation.
Not only is harsh smoke rough on your eyes, smoking makes you more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration and other serious eye conditions. Smoking has also been linked to optic nerve damage, which can have adverse effects on your vision over time.
Practicing these steps may not show immediate results, but your eyes will thank you in the long run. Being mindful of the situations you are going to be in and being prepared to protect your eyes will work to promote their overall health and ability to function. If you are due for an eye exam or have any questions about the information provided, please contact us today. With locations in Denville, Livingston, and Newark, our doctors at Marano Eye Care are dedicated to providing you with the procedures you need to keep your eyes in top shape.
