Keeping your eye healthy

Have you ever thought about how much your eyes go the extra mile for you? That is why taking care of them is essential. Do not take your eyes for granted. It is important to see your eyecare provider regularly. Your eye problems can be easily prevented, if you practise essential eyecare habits every single day.

Here are some tips to maintain your eye health and keep your vision sharp:

• AVOID RUBBING YOUR EYES

Do not rub or touch your eyes with your hands. Your hands are mostly exposed to dirt, bacteria, and dust. Doing so can transfer the germs and bacteria, every time you rub or touch them. Avoid putting your fingers on your eyes to prevent infection or irritation.

• WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR EYES

You should never touch your eyes when your hands are dirty or dusty. So, wash your hands frequently before putting contacts inside your eyes. Plus, always clean your hands when putting contact lenses in or while taking them off. Be sure to disinfect your contact lenses or replace them regularly.

• WEAR SUNGLASSES

It is recommended to wear sunglasses, especially when you are stepping out during daytime hours. That is because sun exposure can damage your eyesight and raise your risk of cataract and age relaxation macular degeneration. Choose a pair that blocks 99-100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays.

• EAT A BALANCED DIET

Certain nutrients like vitamin C and E, zinc, copper and beta carotene provide protection against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration. Make sure that your diet is infused with fruits and green vegetables that are rich in those nutrients to help keep your entire body healthy, including your eyes.

• QUIT SMOKING

Smoking is injurious for your overall health, and it is also very harmful for your eyes. It is also linked with various eyesight issues like cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. In fact, it can also damage optic nerves, which can have adverse effects on your vision over time. So, quit smoking right now.

• GET REGULAR EXERCISE

Wonder how exercise can help? Well, regular exercise can prevent other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Having these diseases puts you at a higher risk of getting eye problems that can damage your vision. So doing moderate exercise, five times a week, can help protect your eyes.

• LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE TO DIGITAL SCREENS

Most of us spend too much time looking at screens, and this can lead to fatigue and strain. Use the 20-20-20 rule throughout the day to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds or wear protective eyewear while using gadgets.

Everyone needs a regular eye exam to know the current condition of their eyes. With these tips, always get regular eye check-ups.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

SOURCE: National Eye Institute, Vision Care Plus

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SOURCE:National Eye Institute, Vision Care Plus