There are many things that we do regularly that are detrimental to our eyesight. From rubbing our eyes to staring at screens for so long, we all unknowingly cause our eyes to strain, potentially damaging our eyesight. Our eyes are very important to our general health; they give us one of the most basic 5 human senses. They are the most delicate and sensitive organs that we acquire, yet are very fascinating and complex.
Our eyes allow us to make sense of the world around us- they are gifts that we take for granted every day, and therefore must learn to take proper care of. This is why we are here to tell you useful tips that will help you ensure that your eyesight is being correctly cared for.
Bad Eye Habits
Many of our daily habits can cause eye strain and hurt our vision. Many practices, deemed insignificant, can actually contribute to eye discomfort, pain, and eventually vision loss. For instance, rubbing your eyes can put so much pressure on your eyes and scratch them. The next time your eyes itch, make sure to use a cold compress to avoid making the problem worse. Unsurprisingly, technology is also another habit that is bad for the eyes.
With the advances and digitization of the modern world, it’s almost impossible to go a few hours without staring at a screen of some sort. Staring at screens can cause your eyes to itch, redden, and dry out. Make sure to catch breaks from staring at screens and avoid using bright screens late at night.
Getting inadequate or not enough sleep can also irritate your eyes, resulting in twitchiness, puffiness, and redness. Getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night is important, as this will allow you to rest your eyes as well as your body. Make sure to remove all distractions or anything that may interfere with the quality of your sleep. Makeup, if applied wrong, can hurt your eyes. Many people who wear makeup don’t pay enough attention to how its application can affect their eyes.
Applying mascara too close to the lash line can block oil glands and cause bacteria build-ups. You should also make it a point to replace your makeup every 3 months to minimize the number of bacteria that come in contact with your eyes and skin.
Eye Care
The benefits of eating a healthy diet are endless, in fact, maintaining a healthy diet is essential for your eyes’ functions. Eyes, like any other organ in your body, need vitamins and nutrients to remain healthy. Food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, can help you care for your eyesight. You can find these nutrients in leafy greens, nuts, seafood, vegetables, and fruits.
You also need to make sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated. Dehydration can severely hurt your eyes; they will not be able to produce moisture to self-cleanse. If you want to maintain your eyesight, you should also try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase the risk of diabetes, putting you at risk of developing glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Exercising can also help you keep the risk of diabetes at bay and can help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These issues put you at higher risk of developing eyesight problems. Make sure to put on protective sunglasses that are designed to entirely block out UV-A and UV-B radiation. Excess sun exposure can increase the risks of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, but a blue block pair of glasses that block blue light can help protect your eyes as you use your phone, laptop, or watch TV. You should also keep in mind that some eye problems are inherited, so it’s always good to be familiar with your family history and determine whether you are at risk.
Eye Tests
Staying on top of eye tests and getting frequent eye exams can help you reduce the risk of developing a serious eye disease. Some eye issues do not have warning signs, which is why getting thorough eye examinations regularly is important. Typically, an exam consists of a visual field test for side vision measurement, a visual acuity test to check your ability to read at a distance, tonometry, which measures the internal pressure of the eye, and dilation, where you get eye drops that dilate your eye.
Your eyes need to be taken care of just like any other organ in the body. They need a balanced diet, adequate hydration, sufficient hours of sleep, and thorough checkup to ensure that they remain functioning healthily. Other risk factors, such as age, personal habits, and family history, should also be taken into account.
