Since you only have one set of eyes, you should do anything you can to keep them healthy. Seeing the eye doctor once a year for a checkup is an important first step and ensures that any problems with your eyes are caught early. However, you can also take these five steps for healthier eyes.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
You'll often hear that different nutrients are good for your eyes. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc—your eyes need all of these nutrients and others. The easiest way to ensure all of your vitamin and mineral needs are met is to just eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Eat a good variety of them, too. Aim to try one new fruit or veggie each week.
Maintain a healthy weight.
What does weight have to do with eye health? Well, being overweight increases your risk of diabetes, and diabetes is very dangerous for eye health, often leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy. If you are overweight, seek to lose weight by reducing your calorie intake and being more active.
Wear sunglasses.
Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. These rays can cause a significant amount of damage that may later lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and ocular melanoma. Keep an extra pair of sunglasses in your car and one in your purse or bag so that you always have them handy.
Don't rub your eyes.
If your eyes ever get dry, or if you get something in your eye, put in some eye drops rather than rubbing your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can do more harm than good. This includes possibly scratching your cornea with any debris that happens to be in your eyes.
Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
If you need to touch your eyes, whether to insert a contact lens, remove an eyelash, or just scratch an itch, make sure you wash your hands first. Hands often have bacteria on them, and introducing those bacteria to your eyes can lead to an eye infection, which can leave lasting damage.
Practicing the eye care tips above will help you keep your eyes in good health as you continue to age. Reach out to your eye doctor if you need help choosing eye drops, selecting sunglasses, are dealing with itchy eyes, or any other form of general eye care.
Share