Good eye health promotes good vision and goes hand-in-hand with general health. As people age, they may experience changes to vision and other eye health concerns. Incorporating certain lifestyle changes and following good eye-care practices on day-to-day basis can prevent many problems in the long run. Here are some tips to maintain eye health and keep your vision sharp –
- Practice frequent hand-washing – The hands frequently come into contact with the eyes, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Frequent hand washing will reduce risk of bacterial infections.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking a sufficient amount of water is essential for the body’s overall wellbeing, including the eyes. Dehydration makes it difficult for the body to produce tears, which can worsen the symptoms of dry eye and other vision concerns.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes – As the hands get frequently exposed to a lot of dirt, dust and bacteria, and all of these can be easily transferred to your eyes each time you touch or rub them. So, make sure to avoid putting your hands to your eyes to prevent infection and irritation.
- Protect your eyes from the sun – Exposure to sunlight and UV rays increases the risk for age-related macular degeneration and may cause cornea sunburn. So, wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a hat with a wide brim when going outdoors. You can also use UV-protected eyeglasses.
- Quit smoking – Smoking makes your eyes more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions such as cataract. Smoking can also damage the optic nerves, which can have adverse effects on your vision over time.
- Eat a balanced diet – Maintaining a nutritious diet is one of the easiest ways to maintain eye health. Choose foods that are rich in antioxidants, like Vitamins A and C; leafy, green vegetables and fish – that are essential for maintaining your eye health. Many foods – especially fatty fish, such as salmon – contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to healthy eyes. There are also varieties of options that provide vitamins and nutrients that help with eye health such as kale, carrots, eggs, sweet potatoes, oranges and almonds are great sources. Following a balanced diet also helps keep you maintain a healthy weight, which can lower your risk for lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes – the leading causes of blindness in adults.
- Maintain proper screen distance and room lighting – Using computer or phone screen for too long can cause – eyestrain, blurry vision, trouble focusing at a distance, dry eyes and headache. As computer screens can be more harmful to aging eyes, older adults should take extra care when using computers or phones. The monitor should be positioned about an arm’s length away from the eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Those who use a computer for long periods at a stretch should make sure that their desk has good lighting, take regular breaks, blink more often, and use corrective eyewear. This will reduce eye strain.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep is beneficial for overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Getting enough sleep is very important for eye health. Make sure that you get sufficient shut-eye each day to keep your eyes healthy.
- Wear appropriate eye gear – No matter what activities you engage in, make sure that your eyes are protected. Wear protective eyewear or goggles when appropriate, such as when exposed to dust, flying particles or objects, or when going swimming (avoid exposing your eyes to chlorine).
- Keep your surroundings clean – As exposure to dirt and dust can irritate the eyes; make sure that the places you frequently visit are well maintained and clean. Change your linen and towels regularly.
- Use the right kind of eye make-up – If you wear make-up, choose top quality brands that work well for your eyes. Steer clear of eye shadows, mascara, and eyeliners if they cause an allergic reaction in your eyes. Remove eye makeup before going to bed to avoid bacterial build-up. Also, clean make-up brushes regularly, especially those that you use to apply eye make-up.
