Our vision is one of our most prized possessions. We use them to see the world around us and interact with the people we love. It’s no wonder, then, that we want to take care of them and make sure they stay healthy for as long as possible.
You can do many things to keep your eyes healthy, from eating right to getting enough exercise. But here are some of the most important things you can do to protect them for the years to come.
Get regular eye exams.
If there is one thing you can do for your eyes, get regular exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people have their first eye exam at age six, and they should then continue to have them regularly throughout their lives.
The doctor will examine the lens and cornea of the eyes with a phoropter machine and perform other tests to see how healthy your eyes currently are, and identify any problems on the rise.
If you’re having trouble with your vision despite multiple professional exams, they might recommend that you see other specialists who are trained to deal with your concern. These doctors can help you identify if this might be an issue for you and how it might be impacting your vision.
Wear protective eyewear in some cases.
Dry eyes have a way of affecting your vision. Not only can they cause you to have a difficult time seeing, but they may also make your eyes red and itchy. To help ease this discomfort, doctors will often recommend that you consider wearing protective eyewear when doing activities that could cause you to get debris in your eyes.
On the other hand, you might be experiencing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. This condition usually happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, damaging your vision. Once you are diagnosed with the disorder, doctors might recommend getting MGD treatment options such as IPL, iLux, LipiFlow, or TearCare. These are state-of-the-art procedures that will help you manage your symptoms and feel better.
Eat right.
A healthy diet can help prevent sight loss in two ways. First, it’s important to eat plenty of foods that contain antioxidants, which protect your eyes from the free radicals that can damage them over time. They include leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, lean meat like salmon and tuna, and blueberries.
Second, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can cause serious vision problems such as squinting and strain on the eyes, leading to unnecessary eye aches and pain. And being underweight may put you at risk for vitamin A deficiency which can lead to night blindness.
Get plenty of exercise.
Just as a healthy diet can help protect your eyes from the inside, exercise helps them in much the same way from the outside. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you get at least thirty minutes of aerobic exercise every day, which will improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress and tension in the eyes.
You should also include weight-bearing exercises that will help you maintain a healthy body weight, as being obese can put a strain on your eyes and lead to serious vision problems over time. Even something as simple as stretching before bed every night can make a difference in the long run.
Practice good eye hygiene.
There are several things you can do to keep your eyes clean. It’s important to wash your hands before touching them to minimize the risk of getting debris in them. And you should avoid using old makeup and mascara, as these products can cause itchiness or infection if they aren’t changed for a few months.
You should also avoid using your fingers to rub your eyes since this can lead to infection and scratching that will damage the cornea and cause pain. However, if you need some relief, talk to your doctor about medical alternatives.
Rest your eyes.
Staring at your phone or computer for hours on end can make it difficult to see clearly, as you may notice something is happening with your vision when you finally take a break from looking at a screen.
Experts recommend that you rest your eyes for at least fifteen minutes every few hours when looking at a screen. Doing so will help prevent long-term vision problems from developing.
To summarize, there are several things you can do to take care of your vision and protect it from damage. Eat right, get plenty of exercise, and practice good eye hygiene to keep your eyes healthy. If you are experiencing any problems with your vision, be sure to see a doctor who can help you identify and treat the issue.
