Sight degeneration or impairment has a significant impact on people’s quality of life. Prolonging eye health and preventing possible diseases is a healthy lifestyle habit that you should always keep in mind. You can take care of your eyesight by following these ten tips:
- Wear sunglasses all year-round
- Don't smoke
- Be mindful of what you eat
- Don't strain your eyesight and take breaks
- Take care at work
- Lubricate your eyes
- Don't rub your eyes
- Keep your glasses and lenses in good condition
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Go to regular check-ups
Wear sunglasses all year-round
While we only tend to worry about the damage caused by the sun's rays during the summer, sunglasses should be worn all year-round. The sun’s rays damage our eyesight and cause retinal burns, cataract problems and other diseases.
Don't smoke
Smoking is a risk factor for many diseases. Among other conditions, it has been shown to double or triple the risk of having/presenting with/developing macular degeneration, which causes severe vision loss. Prevention and early detection are the most effective ways of dealing with it.
Be mindful of what you eat
A healthy diet is often the best way to prevent many diseases. Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent eye diseases. These nutrients can be found in oily fish, seafood, seeds, nuts (such as walnuts), fruits (such as kiwi) and vegetables (such spinach and broccoli).
Don't strain your eyesight and take breaks
We are constantly surrounded by electronic screens, spending most of our day-to-day life sitting in front of them. For this reason, it is important to limit your exposure to these kinds of devices and to rest your eyes at regular intervals.
It is recommended not to use electronic devices for more than 4 hours/day and to stop using them 2 hours before you go to sleep. To rest your eyes, you should look at the horizon —without focusing on anything in particular— for 20 seconds for every 20 minutes that you are sat in front of a computer. It is also recommended to close your eyes and gently cover them with your hands while relaxing your eyelids. If your eyes are inflamed, apply cold compresses for one minute and repeat if necessary.
Always try to read in good light, preferably natural light.
Take care at work
We spend most of our time at work. If required at work, make sure you wear protective goggles. You should protect your eyes from harmful agents such as smoke, water, dust and wind.
Lubricate your eyes
Staring at screens, wind and other external factors can lead to dry eyes. This condition can also be caused by low tear production and poor tear quality. Dry eyes can cause eye strain. Remember to apply eye drops to make sure that they are properly lubricated.
Stop rubbing your eyes
Many people rub their eyes when they are itchy or when they feel tired. However, this increases discomfort and can lead to injury. Therefore, avoid rubbing your eyes and try to rest them whenever possible.
Keep your glasses and contact lenses in good condition
Glasses and contact lenses are indispensable everyday tools. Keep them clean and in a good condition, as damaged glasses will force you to strain your sight.
Get a good night's sleep and relax your eyesight
Eye strain is a risk factor for many eye diseases. To reduce it, we recommend getting a good night’s sleep and reducing excess eye strain.
Go to regular check-ups
Just like taking your car to a mechanic, you also need to get your eyesight checked on a regular basis. Go to a check-up at least once every 2 years and consult your doctor if you have a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
