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February 9, 2024

10 quick tips to keep your eyes healthy

Your eyes serve as windows to the outside world; their precious significance should never be underestimated. However, many take their eyesight for granted and neglect to take care of their eyes. Almost half of the global population suffers from cases of vision impairment which could have been prevented.

That’s quite a large number, isn’t it? Following a few simple habits can help you protect your eyes and prevent vision problems in the future.

In this article, we will tell you the top 10 things you can do to preserve your eye health.


1. Eat Well

The health of your eyes depends on your nutrition intake. Nutrients, such as zinc, lutein, vitamins C and E, and the fatty acid omega-3, are very beneficial in preventing or delaying age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration.

Including a diverse range of foods in your diet can help you obtain these essential nutrients. These foods include:

  • Green leafy foods, such as collards, kale, and spinach
  • Fatty fish, including sardines, tuna, and salmon
  • Eggs, nuts, beans, and plant-based proteins
  • Different kinds of citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits
  • Oysters

Orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, are rich in beta-carotene, which can help your eyes adapt to low-light conditions. Blueberries and grapes contain anthocyanins, which can protect your eyes from oxidative stress and inflammation.


2. Quit Smoking

Smoking is harmful to your health in general, especially for your eyes. It may harm your visual nerve and raise the possibility of cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, which can irritate your eyes and cause dryness, redness, and itching. Additionally, it can reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your eyes.

Hence quitting smoking can be one of the best things you can do for your eyes and your life. See your physician for assistance if you need it to stop.


3. Wear Sunglasses

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes and cause eye diseases, such as cataracts, sunburn, eye cancer, and dark circles around the eye.

To protect your eyes from the sun, you should wear sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are great to reduce glare and improve your vision.


4. Use Safety Eyewear

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials or play sports that can cause eye injuries, such as ice hockey, racquetball, or lacrosse, you should wear safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes. Additionally, you can use face-protecting helmets, masks or sports goggles with more impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses.

Using safety eyewear can prevent dust, debris, wind, and water from getting into your eyes and affecting your vision. It can also prevent glare, fogging, and distortion, which can distract you. At the end of the day using safety wear protects your eyes from infections, allergies, and inflammation, thus improving your health and well-being.


5. Take a Break

Whether reading a book, watching a movie, or working on a computer, you should give your eyes a break now and then. Staring at a screen or a page can lead to dry eyes and eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and neck-shoulder pain. To avoid these problems, once every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

Taking a break can also relax your mind and body, reduce stress and fatigue, and improve your mood and energy.


6. Practice Simple Eye Exercises

Exercise is good not only for your body but also for your eyes. Eye exercises reduce the risk of developing eye problems.

Here are some exercises that you can do:

  • Rolling your eyes: Slowly move your eyes clockwise, making a full circle. Repeat these ten times, then switch to a counter-clockwise direction and repeat ten times.
  • Focusing on different distances: Keep your thumb ten inches or less away from your face and concentrate on it. Then, look at an object that is about 10 feet away and focus on it. Do this ten times.
  • Palming: Warm your palms by rubbing them together. Then, close your eyes and gently place your palms over your eyelids without applying any pressure.

7. Practice Good Hygiene

Your eyes are exposed to many germs and allergens daily, which can cause irritation, inflammation, and infection. To prevent these problems, wash your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses.

Rubbing your eyes with dirty fingers can transfer bacteria and viruses to your eyes and damage the cornea and eyelids. You should see your eye doctor immediately if you have any signs of eye infection, such as redness, itching, discharge, or pain. Eye infections can spread quickly and cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.


8. Drink Enough Water

We are sure you’ve heard this many times. But water is a magical drink which has great health benefits. Drinking enough water can prevent dry eyes, which can cause irritation, inflammation, and blurred vision. Dry eyes can also make you more prone to eye infections, as tears are a natural defence against germs and allergens.


9. Sleep Well

Sound sleep is another crucial factor for eye health, allowing your eyes to rest and replenish their moisture and nutrients. Sleeping can also prevent eye fatigue, which, in turn, can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty in focusing. It will also prevent dark circles and eye bags.


10. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Finally, do not ignore your eyes during your annual health checkup. An eye exam can reveal any vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, and others, and help you find the right glasses or contacts.

Regular eye checkups can also help in diagnosing eye diseases on time.


Your Eyes are a Reflection of Your Spirit

For generations, eyes have been the muse of poets the world over. And very rightly so. Eyes allow us to see the world and it is not just our duty, but an obligation to take care of them.

By following these ten quick tips, you can keep your eyes healthy. These little routines can significantly impact your eye health and improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor with questions or concerns about your eyes.



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