Every day our eyes are used to enable us to view the world and enjoy other people around us. We have to consider how, and why , it is necessary to keep our eyes healthy in order to preserve our quality of life for years to come. We all have busy schedules that involve balancing family life and careers. We can however follow some simple guidelines in order to keep and maintain healthy eyesight.
Here’s a quick guide on how we can take care of our eyes.
• Look into your family history
Some eye conditions can be genetic. It is very important to have dialogue with all of your family members to discuss their eye health history and how it could have an impact on you. Find out if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or a condition that may affect vision, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
• Get your eyes examined
Take an eye exam in order to have an actionable eye care plan. It is important to schedule an appointment with your optometrist even though your eyes feel fine because some eye diseases may not pose any symptoms until vision loss starts to set in. Don’t get blindsided. Get regular vision screenings to help you learn about possible eye problems.
• Eat smart and exercise
The smartest way to boost your eye health is by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Foods packed with vitamin C improve the cells in your retinas. Salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts and beans are vision boosters as well. Aside from eating a balanced diet, exercise can also fortify your vision – lowering your risk of having cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Quit smoking
Break this bad habit if you want to preserve your eye health – and your overall health. Studies show that smoking increases your risk for cataracts, optic nerve damage and macular degeneration. All three diseases can eventually lead to blindness.
• Start sipping green tea
Green tea is known to keep your skin healthy, boost your memory, and your blood pressure. But did you know that green tea is also great for your vision? Flavonoids found in green tea may help protect you from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and certain forms of glaucoma. Studies show that one particular flavonoid called gallocatechin accumulates in your retina, thereby protecting you from the sun’s damaging rays.
• Slip on some shades
Ultraviolet rays from the sun just don’t harm your skin; it can also harm the eyes at all times of the day. In fact, if the sun is low in the horizon at sunrise and sunset, your eyes are exposed to twice the amount of damaging UVB rays. This is why it’s important to always wear sunglasses when you’re out – a wraparound look that has 99% to 100% UVA and UVB protection.
• Deny the dry eyes
Dry eyes can be frustrating because it can leave you feeling itchy, gritty, and overly irritated. Dry eyes can happen more often with age as your tear production decreases, but you can prevent it by taking a proactive approach to your symptoms. In order to relieve dry eyes, you can use eye drops or run a portable humidifier when your indoor environment feels too dry. There are also certain medications that can spur dry eye symptoms. Seek professional help by scheduling an appointment with your doctor if your dry eyes become too much to handle on your own.
• Care for your contacts
Remember to always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your contact lenses. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Has your contact lens solution expired? Are you wearing contact lenses that are approved for overnight use? Are your lenses disposable or not? Failure to follow instructions can lead to painful eye conditions like corneal ulcers and even vision loss.
• Be careful with eye cosmetics
Mascaras, eye shadows, and eyeliners are undeniably good, but you also have to be aware of the potential threats that these eye cosmetics hold for your eyes. Lurking in those packages are bacteria that can get transferred to your eyes as you go through your daily beauty ritual. To avoid contaminating your eyes, toss your old makeup; don’t use mascara that has dried out, keep your eye cosmetics in a cool and dry place, and avoid sharing them with friends.
• Curb computer vision syndrome
Computers are part of our everyday life, but computer vision syndrome doesn’t have to be. Computer vision syndrome or CVS is associated with eyestrain, a result of overuse. It can also lead to aches and pains in your neck, shoulders, back or head and may include blurry vision. To avoid CVS, make sure that your computer monitors are about 4 to 8 inches below eye level. Make it a habit to cast your eyes away from the computer screen every 15 minutes. Stretch, walk around and switch your field of vision often.
Contact Trillium Eye Care for more information on how you can take care of your eyes. Call 905 607 8533 or leave a message at info@35.244.0.25. Because at Trillium Eye Care, you can see clearly all life’s wonders and remember unforgettable moments.