Eye health might be something you don’t think about until it fails. Even if you have perfect vision now, vision changes can be expected as we age and since we spend more and more time in front of screens. Eye health is essential for maintaining good vision, so if you’re wondering how to improve your eye health, there are several healthy habits that you can adopt to help protect your eyes.
1. Get regular eye tests
One of the most important things you can do for your eye health is to get regular eye tests. Regular tests can help detect any changes or issues with your eyes early on before they become more serious problems. Experts recommend getting an eye test every one to two years, depending on your age and any existing eye conditions you may have.
2. Eat well for your eyes
Your diet can have a significant impact on your eye health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those with high levels of antioxidants, can help protect your eyes from damage. Some good choices include leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries and citrus fruits.
You can find more tips on eating for your eyes in our blog eating well for your eyes.
3. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can cause dry eyes, which can be uncomfortable and even lead to more serious eye problems over time. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes lubricated and healthy.
4. Protect your eyes from the sun
UV rays from the sun can be damaging to your eyes, just as they can be to your skin. Protect your eyes by wearing polarised sunglasses that block the harmful UVA and UVB rays when you're outside, and consider wearing a hat with a brim for extra protection.
5. Take breaks from screens
Spending too much time in front of a computer or other screens can cause eye strain and fatigue. Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes, especially if you're working on a task that requires a lot of visual focus. Experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
6. Practice good hygiene
Washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face can help prevent the spread of germs that can cause eye infections. If you wear contact lenses, make sure you follow the proper hygiene procedures to keep them clean and avoid infections.
7. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including your eye health. Lack of sleep can cause eye strain and fatigue, as well as dry eyes. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to help keep your eyes healthy.
8. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is good for your overall health, and it can also help support your eye health. Exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, including to the eyes, which can help keep them healthy and functioning properly.
9. Manage chronic conditions
Several chronic conditions, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, poor blood flow due to unhealthy cholesterol and high blood pressure, can have a significant impact on your eye health. Make sure you manage these conditions carefully to help protect your eyes from any related complications. Also, some eye health issues are hereditary, and while this doesn’t mean you are destined to develop these problems, knowing that you have an elevated risk for certain eye conditions can help you take precautions.
10. Replace makeup brushes and cosmetics
Makeup brushes and eye makeup can be breeding grounds for bacteria, causing uncomfortable eye conditions such as conjunctivitis. The use of makeup and subsequent infections can also result in blocked Meibomian glands, bacterial eye infections, and blepharitis due to allergies to certain makeup ingredients. Keeping your eye health in check starts with regularly cleaning your brushes and throwing away expired makeup.
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