Five Eye Care Tips Your Eyes
Will Thank You For
Your eyes are strong and powerful. They’re the hardest working muscles in the body, so you need to take extra steps to protect them from damage. Check out these five eye care tips to help keep your eyes healthy and happy.
1. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Cooler climates, dry weather and exposure to artificial heating can lead to eye discomfort. That’s why dry eyes are a common problem in the winter. While eye drops can temporarily alleviate discomfort, figuring out what’s causing red or dry eyes can help determine a better solution. Other remedies that may help offset your symptoms are:
Dry eyes could be uncomfortable and irritating. While eye drops can temporarily alleviate discomfort, figuring out what’s causing red or dry eyes can help determine a better solution. Other remedies that may help offset your symptoms for healthier eyes are:
- Drinking Lots of Water: Staying hydrated can help maintain the moisture in your eyes.
- Using a Humidifier: If the air feels dry, use a humidifier to bring some moisture back into your home.
- Wearing Proper Eye Protection: Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can dry out your eyes. Try wearing computer glasses for protection. Computer glasses with blue light filter lenses can help keep your eyes healthy.
- Avoiding Rubbing Your Eyes: Constantly touching your eyes will only make matters worse and could lead to infection if your hands are not clean.
- Distancing Yourself from Heat Sources: Stay away from areas where heat is being emitted, such as campfires, fireplaces, and heaters.
If you’re constantly dealing with dry eyes or persistent redness, it may be time to arrange an eye exam to find out why it’s occurring, and better yet, how to treat it.
2. Get Yourself The Perfect Pair of UVA/UVB-Approved Sunglasses
The sun’s UV rays can be harmful in many ways and can even cause potential damage to your eyes, which is why proper eye protection is vital for healthy eyes. Some studies have linked high exposure of UV rays to serious eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing UVA or UVB sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim can help protect your eyes when you’re outside. Remember, UV rays are still present on cloudy days so don’t forgo eye protection simply because it’s overcast. Glasses not only provide protection from UV rays, but they can also help prevent your eyes from drying out due to the wind. Ask your optician at your local eye vision health centre, about finding the right pair of prescription sunglasses with UV protection when you go in for your eye exam.
3. Healthy Food Means Healthy Eyes
A healthy diet makes for healthy eyes, as it helps reduce the risk of eye problems such as dry eyes, cataracts, and age-related eye damage. To help prevent inflammation and dehydration, try avoiding foods that are high in sugar and salt. Heavy alcohol consumption should also be avoided. Some ways to supplement are with healthier foods and vitamins for eye health, including:
- Fish: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish helps ensure your eyes work properly while protecting them from glaucoma and preventing dry eyes.
- Beans: Chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans can help keep your vision sharp.
- Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach and other greens high in vitamins C and D are great for short and long-term eye care.
- Nuts: Hazelnuts, peanuts and other nuts rich in vitamin E have been linked to slowing the progression of macular degeneration and helping to prevent cataracts.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables have a type of vitamin A that is good for night vision.
4. Dirty Hands and Contacts Are Not Friends. Always Wash Your Hands.
Touching your face, eyes, and eye care products without washing your hands first can spread germs and even lead to an eye infection. Contact lens solution will help kill bacteria on your lenses but if you handle them with dirty hands, it can still hitch a ride to your eyes. If you are traveling, camping or in an area where you can’t properly wash your hands, carry a spare set of eyeglasses to protect your eyes from germs.
5. Look Gorgeous in Your Makeup, But Be Careful When Applying It.
While eye makeup is often used to make eyes sparkle, it can also lead to eye problems. Common issues that can occur when applying are:
- Conjunctivitis: Brushes used to apply eye make up can grow bacteria and attract germs which can then lead to an eye infection.
- Scratched Cornea: Applying mascara and eyeliner can be risky if not done carefully as getting too close to your eye can damage your cornea.
- Allergies: Some products may contain chemicals and ingredients that can cause irritation, swelling or an infection in your eye.
To help keep your eyes safe and healthy while applying eye makeup, follow these basic rules:
- Never share your products with anyone
- Don’t apply eyeliner inside the lash line
- Tightly seal mascara to avoid bacteria buildup
- Wash brushes and applicators after use
- Don’t use expired products
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to get your eyes checked. If something is affecting the health of your eyes, an annual exam can help detect and treat it. Make an appointment at your neighbourhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Centre today.