Good eye care is important for an individual’s overall health and wellness. However, people expose their eyes to bright screens, pollutants, and sunlight daily. These factors can affect the health of the eyes. Fortunately, staying on top of one’s eye care is relatively easy. Here are some easy tips to follow.
Put Nutrition First
Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zinc benefit one’s eyes and vision by staving off age-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Further, vitamins C and E contribute to general eye health. These nutrients are found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, fish like salmon and tuna, and citrus fruits like oranges. People who can also maintain a healthy weight are less likely to develop type-2 diabetes, which is the main cause of blindness in adults.
Avoid Smoking
Smokers have a higher chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and long-term damage to the optic nerve.
Wear Sunglasses
Overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays increases a person’s risk of developing cataracts. Too much sunlight also causes macular degeneration. Doctors recommend using a good pair of sunglasses when a person is outdoors. Even people who wear contact lenses should get a pair since these glasses provide an extra layer of protection.
Wear Protective Eyewear
People who work in environments with many airborne materials and pollutants should wear protective eyewear while at work. Further, athletes who play contact sports like ice hockey, racquetball, lacrosse, mixed martial arts, and wrestling should either wear helmets or sports goggles made from polycarbonate lenses to shield their eyes and avoid serious eye injuries.
Avoid Too Much Screen Exposure
People who spend long hours in front of computer screens should wear anti-glare glasses or buy computers and laptops with anti-glare screens. Experts also recommend keeping one’s eyes level with the top of the monitor, blinking often to avoid dry eyes, and resting one’s eyes every 20 minutes.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
An ophthalmologist or optometrist can help screen for non-symptomatic eye diseases like glaucoma. Even people with good vision and young children should see an eye expert annually to stay on top of their eye care.
