From the minute we get up in the morning to the moment our head hits the pillow at night, our vision is the one sense we tend to rely on the most throughout our days. In fact, many would agree that our eyesight is the most important one of all the senses.
Our eyes are the organs we use to perceive the majority of all impressions – around 80% of them. They’re also crucial for ensuring self-preservation and safety on a daily basis. As such, making an effort to maintain good vision and healthy eyes is a must. With that in mind, here are six things you can do to take better care of your eyesight.
Schedule regular check-ups with an eye specialist
They say that prevention is the best cure, and this definitely holds true when it comes to eye health. Regular eye screenings are key to early detection and prevention of eye and vision problems. They can help ophthalmologists detect early signs of eye problems and start the treatment before the symptoms appear.
An eye screening will usually include a refraction test and a dilated eye exam, along with vision testing. You will also be expected to discuss your family history as this will help the doctor learn what to anticipate.
Address any eye problems you experience
Other than regular screenings, another crucial step in preventative eye care is addressing any eye problems sooner rather than later. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, blurred vision, and light flashes are all causes of concern. As such, they’re best tackled as soon as possible.
Sometimes, the ophthalmologist will prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Other times, they will recommend laser vision correction surgery such as LASIK. According to experts for LASIK NYC, laser eye surgery can be a great and much more convenient alternative. The best part is that it can improve your vision almost immediately. Still, there are certain requirements you need to meet in order to be deemed suitable for this surgery.
Limit your screen time
Managing your screen time can be a challenge these days. We live in the digital age, a time when we’re surrounded by electronic devices both at home and at work. Using screens for an extensive amount of time often leads to eyestrain, headaches, and vision problems.
It also happens to be one of the most common causes of dry eye problems. To make sure you maintain a healthy vision, give yourself frequent screen breaks, follow the 20-20-20 rule and blink often.
Invest in proper eyewear and safety gear
From work to sporting events to sunlight and tanning beds, our eyes are exposed to numerous eye injury risks daily. Frequent exposure to UV radiation can be just as damaging as working with potentially hazardous materials.
Depending on the activity, consider wearing protective eyewear and sunglasses that offer both UVA and UVB protection. Proper safety gear will help protect the eyes from everything from dust to bacteria to chlorine. Similarly, protective sunglasses will minimize the risk of vision-threatening conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Keep in mind that not just any eyewear will cut it, so consider investing in a pair of high-quality ones.
Wear the right kind of eye makeup
Old and expired makeup doesn’t only take up precious space in your bathroom cabinet. It can also do some significant damage to your eyes. If you’re someone who wears makeup on a daily basis, you want to make sure you’re wearing the right kind.
Ditch eye makeup products that result in an allergic reaction. Also, replace those that work for you every three months. Finally, make sure to clean your face before and after applying makeup, and keep all your eye makeup brushes clean.
Fuel your body the right way
Last but not least, what you consume on a daily basis also plays a vital role in maintaining eye health. Focus on maintaining a balanced diet that includes various foods, especially those rich in nutrients like beta carotene and lycopene. Fill your plate with eggs and salmon, a generous amount of leafy greens and citrus fruits. Keep your body hydrated, and avoid smoking as it has a negative impact on optic nerves.
Finally, make sure to catch enough z’s at night, and incorporate moderate workouts into your daily schedule. A healthy diet combined with enough sleep and regular exercise will help lower your risk of developing everything from diabetes to cataracts to macular degeneration, thus ensuring optimal vision.
Wrapping up
The second most complex organ after our brain, our eyes are certainly one the most fascinating senses we possess. By making sure you’re making the right decisions on a daily basis, you can become actively involved in preserving your eye health and maintaining good eyesight for as long as possible.
