Our eyes can often be forgotten about when we think of keeping ourselves healthy. However, eyesight is one of our most important senses, as 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight. By maintaining healthy eyes, you will reduce the chances of vision loss and avoid developing eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.
It's really easy to look after your eyes and small changes can make a big difference. Read on for five ways to keep your eyes at the top of their game:
Avoid rubbing your eyes.
Your hands are exposed to a lot of dirt, dust and bacteria throughout the day, all of which are easily transferred to your eyes every time you touch or rub them.
Washing your hands regularly and avoiding putting your hands to your eyes will keep bacteria at bay and prevent irritation and infection.
Cleaning your glasses and contact lenses properly can also help in the reduction of germs around the eyes.
Get Regular Eye Tests
The best way to help keep your eyes in tip-top condition is to keep up to date with your eye tests.
Regular visits to your opticians help you to keep track of your eye health and bring any medical issues to your attention, which may otherwise have gone undetected.
Eye tests will also ensure your prescription is up-to-date and accurate. Out-of-date prescription glasses could be more damaging to your eyes than not wearing glasses at all.
Wear Sunglasses Outside
Wearing sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection will prevent eye damage from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Exposure to UV radiation can increase your chances of developing eye conditions such as cataracts, corneal burns, and skin cancer on and around the eyelids.
And remember - damage from the sun doesn't only occur during summer. UV rays can damage your eyes regardless of the season.
Sunglasses are also great for shielding our eyes against dust and other debris that could compromise your eye health.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Over-exposure to the blue light present in devices such as computers, smartphones, television screens and strip lights, can cause eye strain and fatigue.
Having a blue light coating on your glasses lenses will help to neutralise the adverse effects of the blue light, and prevent future damage to your eyes.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Do you know that what you eat can affect your eyesight? To help maintain healthy eyes, eat foods rich in omega 3 such as oily fish, nuts and beans, and be sure to include plenty of dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale in your daily diet. In addition, make sure you're always hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Being physically active can also lower your risk of health conditions that can cause eye health or vision problems, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Make sure you get enough sleep. Like the rest of your body, your eyes need to recharge too. Getting sufficient shut-eye every night will keep your eyes revitalised and healthy.
Stop smoking! It isn’t just bad for your lungs, smoking can harm the optic nerve and also increases your risk of developing diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Know Your Family’s Eye Health History
Much like any other part of your family's health history, it's important to find out about any eye issues as well.
Find out if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with any eye conditions that may be hereditary. Being aware means you can identify any problems and get a head start on treatment.
Summary
Don't take your eyes for granted! Keeping your eyes healthy is as important as keeping your body healthy. Using the tips discussed above and making a point to practice good eye care habits daily, will help keep them in tip-top condition.