Surprising Ways To Keep Eyes Healthy

Five ways to keep your eyes in top shape

Taking care of your eyes should be a top priority as you get older. Below are some ways you can help your eyes stay in top shape:

1. Wear sunglasses

They not only look great, but they also keep your eyes protected, whether it's sunny or not, from harmful UV rays that can break through clouds. Be sure to pick a pair that is polarized to help reduce sun glare and bring them with you anytime you’re going to be outdoors. “Few people realize the damage the sun can cause to unprotected eyes,” says Dr. Lisa Hamilton, an Independent Doctor of Optometry at Pearle Vision in Centennial, CO. “Wearing the right pair of sunglasses can save you from a myriad of issues down the road.”

2. Drink water

Did you know drinking water has health benefits for your eyes? The eye is surrounded by fluid, which protects it by washing away debris and dust every time we blink. In order to maintain a healthy balance of fluid in the eye it is important to stay well hydrated. With nearly five million Americans 50 years and older suffering from dry eyes, staying hydrated is key to prevention. Experts say to aim for eight glasses a day... so drink up!

3. Get regular eye exams

Just like yearly physicals, it is important to get your eyes regularly checked. Eye exams aren’t just to get your prescription adjusted – ODs also check for ocular conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Adults should aim to get in at least once a year to keep on top of any conditions that might flare up.

4. Get enough sleep

Depriving yourself of some shuteye not only causes fatigue and difficulty concentrating, it can also be hard on your eyes. Lack of sleep can cause dry eyes, twitchy eyes, redness, and in certain cases, might even lead to bigger problems. Your eyes depend on sleep as a time to rest and restore – don’t deprive them of a solid eight hours every night!

5. Be careful with eye makeup

To avoid potentially harmful bacteria, you should throw away eye makeup every three months. You should also never share eye makeup with anyone else, and wash all of it completely off every night before you go to bed.