Caring for your eyes is a hugely important task. Sadly, most people have no idea what it takes to keep their eyes in tip top shape. The tips and tricks found below will assist you in making sure your eyes are working for you instead of against you over time.
Always use sunglasses to keep your eyes protected from the ever present threat of the sun. Always bring with you a pair of high-quality sunglasses with the best UV protection. The sun is not only damaging to the eye itself, it also damages the delicate skin that surrounds them. Be careful and don’t take unnecessary risks with your vision.
As if smokers didn’t need yet another health related reason to quit, this habit also threatens eyes. Since smoking deprives every cell in your body of oxygen, something eyes need every minute, smokers run the risk of damaging their vision with each puff of a cigarette. Protect your eyes by quitting smoking as soon as you can.
Know if your family has a history of any eye problems so that you know what you might expect down the road. Hereditary or genetic eye issues can be treated and early intervention can prevent them from causing severe irreparable damage. Knowing about an illness in the early stages is always a benefit.
Avoid exposing your eyes to bright light for a long period of time. The bright light can cause your eye muscles to strain. They can also damage your eyes. If you are out in the sun all day long, wear a hat and a pair of sunglasses that offer UV protection.
If you work for long periods of time on a computer, protect your eyes by taking frequent breaks. You might have noticed that your eyes often feel strained, tired and itchy during regular working hours. This is probably a good indication that you’re over working them. Get up and stretch for a few minutes, offering your eyes some time away from the screen.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be great for excellent eye care. It would be smart to add these acids to your diet. These foods include salmon, halibut, tuna and leafy, dark green vegetables. You want to have at minimum a serving of one of these foods each day.
Do you play sports? Certain contact sports, like lacrosse and ice hockey, can be dangerous for your eyes. Make sure you wear either sports goggles or a face mask to limit your risk. While it may seem strange to wear them at first, you will quickly get used to them.
Do you use the computer often, either at work or at home? Looking at the computer screen can be damaging to your eyes, causing blurry vision, strain, headaches and even back and neck pain. Keep your eyes safe by resting them every 20 minutes. Simply look off into the distance for about 20 seconds. Make sure you take a break from your work every hour or so as well.
If you want your eyes to look and feel their best, drink lots of water. The more hydrated you are, the less you will suffer from dark circles. Hydrated skin doesn’t allow the blood vessels to show, ensuring that your raccoon eyes (dark circles) become a thing of the past.
Use a cotton wool pad soaked in a solution of rose water and a couple of drops of castor oil. When you place these pads on the eyelids, you can reduce the effects of eye burn. Other irritating issues with your eyes can be diminished or avoided using this method as well.
Take proper care of your contact lenses. Anytime you put in or take out your contact lenses, make sure that you have thoroughly washed your hands. Also, replace your lenses as instructed and disinfect them like you should. If not properly taken care of, contact lenses can cause you a lot of grief.
Try to always wear sunglasses if you are going to be out in the sun. Having your eyes exposed to too much ultraviolet makes you more susceptible to getting macular degeneration and cataracts. Make sure you choose sunglasses that block from 99% to 100% of the UVB and UVA rays.
Be aware of your family’s history concerning eye health. Many conditions of the eye are hereditary. This will help you figure out if there is anything you should be concerned about. Knowing your family history can protect your eyes from vision problems in the future.
It is only natural that your eyes dry out easier as you are getting older. Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can be beneficial. In addition, either hot or cold air can make the problem worse. Make sure that the vents in your car are not directly on your face.
Take several breaks during the day while working. It is so important to rest your eyes so they can stay healthy by recharging. Go outside and get a breath of fresh air in order to bring life back to your eyes.
Try not to read in the dark or in a dimly lit area. You can strain your eyes when you are trying to read without enough light. Your eyes are already working hard to do the actual reading, so the additional strain of adjusting to the lack of light can overwork them. This can also lead to fatigue and headaches. Make sure the area where you are reading is properly lit.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat when you go outside. People generally forget about the skin that covers their eyes when thinking about eye care, but the truth is that your eyelids are very important. By wearing a good hat outdoors, you decrease the chances that you develop a melanoma on your eyelids.
When you use these tips, you will find that your eyes are healthy and see clearly. Be sure to take great care of your eyes so that they continue to work well long into your golden years. What you’ve learned today will last a lifetime, so be sure to keep using this information long into the future.
