Eye Health
Things You Should and Should Not Do
Your eyes are an important part of your overall health, and taking care of them is essential to maintaining good vision and preventing eye problems. Here are some things you should and should not do to maintain good eye health.
Things You Should Do
Get Regular Eye Exams
One of the most important things you can do for your eye health is to get regular eye exams. Even if you think your vision is fine, it's still important to have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor. Eye exams can detect problems that you may not be aware of, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes, so it's important to protect them by wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim when you're outside. Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is important for your overall health, but it's also important for your eye health. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, can help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Examples of foods that are good for your eyes include leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish.
Take Breaks from Screen Time
If you spend a lot of time looking at a computer, tablet, or phone screen, you may experience eye strain, dry eyes, and headaches. To prevent these problems, take frequent breaks from screen time. The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health in many ways, and it can also damage your eyes. People who smoke are at higher risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and your eye health.
Things You Should Not Do
Rub Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can cause irritation and damage to your eyes. If your eyes are itchy or irritated, try using eye drops or applying a warm compress instead of rubbing them.
Sleep in Your Contacts
Sleeping in your contact lenses can increase your risk of developing an eye infection. Even if your contacts are labeled as "extended wear," it's still a good idea to take them out before you go to bed.
Ignore Eye Problems
If you're experiencing eye problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or eye pain, it's important to see an eye doctor right away. Ignoring these problems can lead to more serious issues down the road.
Use Old Eye Makeup
Old eye makeup can harbour bacteria and other harmful organisms that can cause eye infections. It's important to replace your eye makeup every three to six months and to never share your makeup with others.
Stare at the Sun
Staring at the sun can cause permanent damage to your eyes, including blindness. Never look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse. If you want to observe a solar eclipse, use special solar viewing glasses or an approved solar filter.
Conclusion
Maintaining good eye health is essential for overall health and well-being. By following these tips, you can help prevent eye problems and maintain good vision. Remember to get regular eye exams, protect your eyes from UV rays, eat a healthy diet, take breaks from screen time, and quit smoking. And, avoid rubbing your eyes, sleeping in your contacts, ignoring eye problems or using old eye makeup.