We all want to protect our eyes, but not everyone knows the best ways to keep them healthy. Whether you’ve been experiencing discomfort or are simply becoming more aware of your health, it’s never too late to start giving your eyes the care and attention they deserve. And don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything drastic – some small lifestyle changes should do the trick. This blog contains some easy things you can do to maintain your vision and help your eyes to feel more comfortable.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
This is easier said than done, but rubbing your eyes is one of the biggest causes of infections, especially if you’re touching them when you haven’t washed your hands. In fact, touching your eyes is one of the most common causes of pink eye, which can leave them feeling itchy and watery. If you often have itchy or tired eyes, it’s worth looking at the root cause of this discomfort rather than rubbing them and potentially making the problem worse. Consider buying some eye drops to relieve feelings of discomfort.
Visit the optician
Regularly having eye exams is one of the best ways to maintain your eye health. While most people see their opticians when they’re due a new prescription, you can actually learn a lot more about your eyes when undergoing a comprehensive eye exam. Depending on your age and medical history, opticians may recommend that you have a more in-depth examination to rule out any health conditions. The best part about these exams is that lots of conditions can be easily treated if they’re spotted early, so don’t skip out on your appointment when it’s booked.
Wear sunglasses
It’s easy to forget to bring your sunglasses along with you when out and about, but the right pair of shades can do a lot to protect your vision from the damaging effects of the sun. UV rays have the power to increase your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, so you want to avoid them at all costs. When buying a new pair of sunglasses, look for a label that says they offer 100% UV protection, otherwise, you might not be getting the protection you need. It’s also a good idea to choose wraparound styles to shield your eyes from all angles.
Take breaks from screens
Nearly everyone in this day and age spends the best part of their day looking at a screen. While it’s unavoidable for work, it’s important to take regular breaks to avoid getting eye strain. Make sure you’re looking away from your screen and fixating on a far-away object every 20 minutes or so. If you use computers a lot, you could also consider wearing blue light glasses to filter out some of the harmful light emitted by screens. Finally, if at all possible, try to find other activities to do at home that don’t involve looking at your phone, computer or TV at least some of the time.
