5 Crucial Eye Health Routines Everyone Needs To Practice

The human eye is incredibly complicated with many parts that are sensitive to various factors present in everyday life. Many take their vision for granted until it begins to fail them, and by that point, it may be too late to restore the health of the eye. Annual eye exams can be crucial in determining eye problems and treating them before they get too dangerous, but this is not the only way to ensure eye health. Check out these simple and effective habits that can help overall eye health and maintain vision and function. These practices are straightforward and can be incorporated into any lifestyle.

Eating Healthy

Many foods are known to promote healthy vision and eyesight, well into the golden years. Foods such as kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are high in vitamins C and E, which can help to fight age-related sight problems from developing later in life. Omega-3 is another essential nutrient that should regularly be consumed to ensure vision remains crisp into old age by helping the eye stay hydrated and keeping the retina healthy. This fatty acid is found in salmon, tuna, and sardines, as well as omega-3 capsules which are readily available at any pharmacy. Lutein and zinc are also minerals that can produce similar eye protecting qualities. Type 2 Diabetes can even cause blindness which is another reason why healthy eating should be paramount for everyone. Smoking can also be harmful to the eyes and vision.

Protecting The Eyes

Eye protection is relevant in different situations and some who develop eye or vision problems are guilty of leaving them unprotected during certain times. Workplace eye safety is also exceedingly important when needed and goggles or glasses, when required, should always be worn. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that 2,000 workers in the United States every single day sustain an eye injury that requires medical treatment. UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun will damage the eyes after extended exposure, and the best way to protect the eyes from these rays is sunglasses. Sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of rays are ideal and also look great on a hot summer day. Protecting the eyes while participating in sports such as basketball, hockey, and extreme sports are even advised by many eye doctors.

Never Wear Makeup To Bed

Many who wear eye makeup, mascara specifically, are unaware of the detriment caused by leaving it on, or the fact that mascara has an expiry date. Wearing mascara while sleeping can even lead to allergic reactions on the eyes and skin which can be very uncomfortable and disruptive. Dr. Joel Schlessinger, an American dermatologist, reports that leaving eye makeup on overnight can lead to dryness, infection, irritation, and redness. Mascara can even become a breeding ground for bacteria when left in the eyes for too long. Washing makeup brushes, not sharing makeup, and applying makeup while being still and not moving are also some highly essential habits that will ensure makeup does not compromise eye health.

Have A Break From Screens

Digital eye strain, also called “Computer Vision Syndrome,” is a genuine modern problem affecting those who work on computers for hours each day. Looking at a computer screen for too long can cause muscular strain, discomfort of the eyes, and stress within the muscles around the eyes. Although there is no absolute proof that computer screens cause damage to the eyes, the symptoms produced by looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time are uncomfortable. A 10-minute break from screens every hour is considered good practice. Look out the window, or go outside if weather permits. Blinking frequently and making sure the computer screen is 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes are also advised if an individual is working on a computer for prolonged periods of time.

An Eye Doctor Is Crucial

As mentioned earlier, annual eye exams can be an essential aid in warding off future problems with the eyes and vision. This yearly check-up should not be limited to a vision exam; a comprehensive eye exam will check for overall eye health and is a necessary annual practice. While determining if an individual needs glasses or contact lenses, the eye doctor will also review the eye for signs of diseases or other abnormalities that can lead to vision impairment later on in life. Finding and treating these problems early on can lead to prolonged eye health and good vision. Seeing an expert is important because the eyes may not hurt or become noticeably irritated if something is wrong. Out of the estimated, 61 million American adults at risk of vision loss only half go to the eye doctor on a regular basis.