Your eyes, an important sense organ, constantly provide us with information, whether it’s pictures, colors, or movements. Because so much of what you see and understand is sent to the brain through your eyes, keeping your eyes healthy is essential.
“Eye exams and the detection of cataracts can be a significant help to avoid falls, injuries, and problems with vision that may be reversible,” said Dr. Gardner, medical director of Discovery Care Center.
Here are our top five tips for keeping your eyes healthy.
Protect your eyes from UV light
When outside, protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing sunglasses that will protect you from 100 percent of UV exposure. Limiting your UV exposure will help protect your eyes from developing cataracts and other eye diseases.
Get regular eye examinations
Getting regular eye examinations should be part of your routine physical maintenance. “Regular eye exams with pressure checks are important to avoid complications from glaucoma,” advised Dr. Gardner. Routine eye examinations by a trained professional give you the all clear on your eyes and diagnose serious problems early on.
Look away from the computer screen frequently
Staring at a computer screen for too long causes eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes. If you find yourself spending long amounts of time focused on computer screens, make sure that every so often you look away from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away. Looking away from the computer screen frequently will help to reduce eye strain and headaches. You can also position your computer screen so that your eyes rest naturally at the top of the monitor. This position angles your eyes down and allows your eyelids to keep moisture on your eyes.
Eat healthy
We’ve all heard about the benefits of carrots on eye health, but what you eat is truly an important part of keeping your eyes healthy. “Good nutrition and antioxidant vitamins along with eye exams can help control early problems with macular degeneration,” said Dr. Gardner. Eating fish that is rich in Omega-3 will also help reduce the chance of getting macular degeneration.
Related Topic: Healthy Eating for Aging Adults: 5 Tips to Help You Live Longer and Stronger
Wash hands and eye lenses regularly
Our hands touch countless objects every day and pick up hundreds, if not thousands, of germs and bacteria at the same time. It’s only a matter of time before our dirty hands make their way up to our eyes and transfer those germs. Wash your hands and contact lenses—if you wear them—regularly to keep germs and bacteria at bay and to help reduce the risk of eye infections which can cause future problems.
“Eye exams and the detection of cataracts can be a significant help to avoid falls, injuries, and problems with vision that may be reversible,” said Dr. Gardner. The most important components of eye health are reducing sun exposure by wearing sunglasses, getting regular eye check-ups, looking away from the computer screen frequently, eating healthy foods, and washing your hands and lenses regularly. These good eye health practices will keep your vision clear for years to come.
