The eyes have it and maintaining good eye health is as important as taking care of any other part of your body. Here’s our advice on the subject.
Eye health
We think of our teeth, our skin and our organs but how often do people consider their eye health, unless they are struggling to see?
You may believe your eyes look after themselves but taking care of your ocular health is in fact very important. By taking the following steps, you can promote good vision now and in later life.
Steps for good eye health
Eat well
Good nutrition and good vision go hand in hand. You and your family should eat plenty of leafy greens, colourful fruits and foods which contain omega-3 fatty acids and can promote positive eye health.
Quit the cigarettes
Smoking has a negative impact on every organ in your body, including the ones you use to see with. It is a sad statistic that people who smoke are four times more likely to go blind in old age. Your doctor can help you cut back to a point where you can give up smoking for good.
Avoid allergens
Seasonal allergies can have you in a fog, with itchy eyes and a runny nose. Pay extra attention to what triggers your allergies so you’ll know what to avoid. Visit your eye doctor if your eyes become red, watery or swollen, and try to avoid constantly rubbing your eyes, which can irritate them further.
Wear safety spectacles and sports eyewear
Almost 90 per cent of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented with the use of protective eyewear. Sports glasses offer eye protection, colour enhancement, light control and more. They are helpful when cycling, particularly off-road, when mud and debris can easily reach your eyes.
Remember to strap on safety goggles before spraying cleaning supplies, mowing the lawn, or repairing your home. Any welding or cutting activities should also be undertaken while wearing safety glasses. Invest in a quality pair and store them safely so they last a long time.
Sun protection
It’s important to wear sunglasses all year long, but summertime is great for purchasing new sunnies for your whole family.
Even young eyes need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Remember that UV rays can damage eyes even on cloudy days. Wearing sunnies whenever you are outside can reduce your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. If possible, extend your budget to a pair which is polarised for better protection. You can also chat with your optometrist about transition lenses or tinted spectacles to wear when you’re outdoors.
Rest your eyes
If you’re spending time indoors on a computer, or sit in front of a computer at work, remember to rest your eyes. Follow the “20-5-20” rule — take a break every 20 minutes and look at something that is at least 5 metres away for 20 seconds. This will reduce your risk of computer vision syndrome, which can lead to eye strain, headaches, blurred vision or dry eyes.
Stay active
What does working out have to do with eye health? Staying active is good for your entire body and can help protect against diabetes, macular degeneration and more.
Stay hydrated
If you don’t drink enough, you can dehydrate your body and in turn not produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Eye-related symptoms of dehydration include redness, dryness and puffy eyelids.
Protecting your eyes and your eyesight and encouraging your Loved Ones to do the same is important for good vision in life and into old age. By scheduling regular visits with your Optometrist, you can identify problems and reduce their impact before they get worse.
Healthcare 2 You provides in-house optometry checks for aged care residents in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Contact us to find out more.
