The eye is one of the most important organs in our body. It processes light and images, allowing us to see what’s around us. Many people take their eyesight for granted until they experience problems like blurry vision, dryness or other doithuong.
In Australia alone, there are over 450,000 people that live with some form of vision impairment or blindness. Some of the most common conditions causing loss of vision on this part of the globe include cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the eye’s retina caused by diabetes).
But there are many things you can do to keep your eye health strong and prevent these problems from happening. Imagine undergoing dry eye treatment or any form of rehabilitation or surgery for something that could be avoided in the first place.
In this article, we will discuss things that you should (or shouldn’t) be doing to keep your eyes healthy.
Things to Do:
- Regularly visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for checkups. This is the best way to catch any potential problems early on.
- Wear sunglasses when outside, especially in bright sunlight. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and keep them healthy and safe.
- Make sure your eyeglasses or contact lenses fit properly. An improper fit can cause a lot of discomfort and even vision problems.
- If you wear contact lenses, make sure to disinfect them properly before each use. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants.
- Spend too much time on the computer or in front of other electronic devices. The blue light from these screens can be harmful to your eyes and may cause vision problems down the road. Try to take regular breaks away from the screen to give your eyes a rest.
- Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially carrots and dark leafy greens. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals that are essential for eye health.
- Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Both of these substances can have negative effects on your vision if consumed in large quantities.
Things You Shouldn’t Do:
- Smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains many harmful toxins that can damage your eyes over time.
- Rub your eyes vigorously, especially if they are dry or itchy. This can even make the condition worse. Instead, use a cold compress or eye drops if necessary.
- Wear contact lenses for too long. If you wear them for too many hours in a row, it can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. Take regular breaks to give your eyes a rest!
- Overuse eye drops. People often use eye drops to reduce tiredness and redness of the eyes, but too much of it may not be good for your vision. That’s because eye drops limit the blood flow in the eyes and can potentially damage them in the long run.
These are just some of the things you should do and shouldn’t do to keep your eyes healthy. Following these tips will help ensure that your vision remains strong well into old age. For more information on keeping your eye healthy, consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will be able to provide individualised advice based on your specific needs. Thanks for reading!