1. TRY THE 20-20-20 RULE
With more and more of our time spent staring at screens all day (computer, TV, smartphone, tablet, etc.), our eyes are becoming increasingly strained. It’s important to give them breaks every once in a while, or as the 20-20-20 rule dictates: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away (you can ballpark it) for 20 seconds. This should provide some temporary relief so you don’t end up with tired, burning, dry, itchy eyes at the end of the day.
2. EAT FOR YOUR EYES
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss, and it occurs when the macula (the retina’s central portion) deteriorates. This is the part of the eye that controls and focuses central vision, affecting our ability to read, observe fine details in objects, see and recognize faces and colors and drive a car. Certain vitamins and minerals can help prevent this disease, including Vitamins A, C and E, and zinc. Think carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, apricots and dark leafy greens. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are also effective.
3. WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
You wouldn’t believe how many people end up with eye injuries that could have been prevented. According to Prevent Blindness America, about 125,000 eye injuries occur in the home every year. More than 40,000 sports-related eye injuries occur yearly as well, and the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 1,000 eye injuries that happen in the workplace. Whether you’re at work or at home or engaging in leisure activities, make sure you always have protective eyewear on, to prevent injury from chemicals, potentially hazardous materials (wood or metal) and sharp objects.
4. STOP SMOKING
If you smoke, you should really stop. In addition to the myriad other ways smoking is bad for you, it also increases the likelihood of developing eye-related problems. People who smoke, for example, are twice as likely to form cataracts than non-smokers. Likewise, smokers can increase their risk three-fold of developing age-related macular degeneration, among other conditions.
5. WATCH YOUR WEIGHT
Studies have shown that the risk of developing major eye diseases increases in overweight or obese people. Specifically, obesity has been linked with glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss). Stick to a healthy diet, and maintain regular physical activity to keep your weight in check.
6. WORK OUT REGULARLY
Speaking of physical activity, working out not only helps keep you at a healthy weight but also may help reduce your chances of developing serious eye diseases. Furthermore, research conducted by the University of Melbourne in Australia and Leeds Beckett University in the UK suggests that a significant amount of weight loss could possibly even reverse eye damage caused by obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
7. DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES
Long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause serious eye damage, if you’re not protecting them properly. You should be wearing sunglasses that block out 100% of UV rays and preferably a pair that stays close to your face, wrapping all the way around. Also, don’t make fun of people who wear sunnies even on days when the sky is overcast. UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and damage your eyes, and in some cases have even caused temporary blindness due to ultraviolet keratitis (which is basically sunburn on your eyes).
8. GET REGULAR EYE EXAMS
In addition to seeing a general doctor to monitor your overall health at least once a year, you should be scheduling regular exams with your eye doctor. It could be the best way to spot eye diseases early on so they’re easier to treat, particularly those that have zero symptoms.
9. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU TOUCH YOUR EYES
We hardly even think about everything our hands touch in a day, but the amount of germs that they might accumulate can be astounding. In order to prevent irritation or infections, always be sure to wash your hands before you touch your eyes. The same goes if you have contact lenses, and you should disinfect or replace them regularly, according to your doctor’s instructions.
10. KNOW YOUR FAMILY’S EYE HEALTH HISTORY
Knowing your family medical history is important because you may be susceptible to certain hereditary conditions or diseases. That goes for your eyes, too, so if your grandparents or parents suffer from hereditary conditions, such as retinal degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma or optic atrophy, you might be at risk. Knowing about these early on can help you take early preventive action.
Source: Gourmandize
