It’s easy to take your eyes for granted but they’re important for your overall health and, you know, seeing not to mention the fact that your eyes are both delicate and complex, seemingly common eye problems can lead to a myriad of issues if they’re not taken care of properly. Luckily there are a number of simple ways you can ensure your peepers are staying in tip-top condition.
Eat Right and Move Your Body
We won’t harp on this, most of us know we could be eating a little healthier and/or moving our bodies a little more, but there are certain foods such as leafy greens, foods rich in Vitamin C, fish, beans, berries, and so on that have been known to help your eyes. And as far as moving your body, obesity leads to a number of diseases, such as diabetes, that can lead to vision problems.
Quit Smoking
If you’ve been looking for a sign to ditch the cigarettes, here it is. Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and Dry Eye Syndrome.
Wear Your Sunnies
Not only do sunglasses look cute, but they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays which can cause diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Wearing sunglasses can also help reduce eye strain, protect your skin from cancer, and block glare. An all-around win, if you ask us.
Look Away From the Screen
Taking some time away from your screen gives your eyes time to relax. Even during your work day, we recommend a timer to help you remember to take breaks throughout your day. To help keep your eyes moist, remember to blink often, and if you need to lubricate dry eyes, keep artificial tears nearby.
Don’t Skip Eye Doctor Appointments
Not only do eye exams keep your vision strong, but your eye doctor will be able to detect disease early on. During the exam, your eye doctor will check out how sharp your eyes are, your depth perception, eye alignment, and eye movement. If you’re between the ages of 19 and 64, and you have no current eye issues, you should get an eye exam at least every 2 years.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision
Not only do changes in your vision impact your daily life, but these changes could indicate serious eye conditions. Early detection can significantly reduce the risk of eye damage, so if you notice something, it’s best to make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Stay with us here, but hand hygiene plays an important role in keeping your eyes healthy. Washing your hands with soap and water can help prevent eye infections. All kinds of germs and bacteria can get into your eyes when you touch them or your nose or mouth without washing your hands first.
Don’t Share Makeup
Sharing makeup is another way germs and bacteria can lead to eye infections and irritations. You can safely share foundation, concealer, and other products in squeeze tubes, but pots that require a finger to use or tubes with applicators are a no-go.
Know Your Family History
There are a number of eye conditions that can be inherited genetically from your relatives, so if possible, it’s always a great idea to get the lowdown on your family’s eye health history to share with your eye doctor so he or she has an idea of what to, dare we say, keep an eye on, as your eyes age.