How to Take Care of Your Eyes Daily

The eyes are the windows to the world, and that’s why it is important to take care of them. Essential eye care habits, if practiced daily can easily keep eye problems at bay. It is easy and extremely practical to accomplish, yet happen to be the most neglected. The lifestyle choices and everyday stress can cause serious issues and lead to loss of sight. To maintain eye health and your vision sharp, here are a few things you should inculcate right away in your daily life.
 

Eat well - good eye health is reflected with the food on your plate. Nutrients like Vitamin C, A, and E, zinc, lutein, omega-3 fatty acid might help ward-off age-related vision problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure that your daily diet is infused with foods that are rich in these nutrients.
 

Avoid rubbing eyes - the hand area the carriers of a lot of bacteria, dirt, and dust, which can be easily transferred to your eyes every time you rub or touch them. It is better to make it a habit of not putting your hands to your eyes to prevent irritation and infection.

Be aware of family’s eye health history - some eye issues like optic atrophy; retinal degeneration, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are hereditary. Knowing about your family history can help you in taking precautions.

Stay hydrated - adequate fluid intake is extremely important for your eyes as well as overall well being. Staying hydrated will prevent your eyes from getting irritated and dry.

Maintain proper monitor distance and room lighting - computer monitors and mobile phones should always be positioned about an arm’s length away.  Also, there should be sufficient, but the diffused lighting in the room and focused and too bright light can put stress on the eyes.   

Protect the eyes from sun - exposure to sun rays and UV rays increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration and might also cause photokeratitis or cornea sunburn. Wearing sunglasses, UV protected eyeglasses, visors, caps, and hats can protect your eyes.

Observe 20-20-20 rule - the 20-20-20 rule states that, you should look away from your computer monitor every 20 minutes and fix your gaze on an object that is 20 feet away from you. You should blink 20 successive times to prevent dry eyes. You should get out of your seat every 20 minutes and take 20 steps. It not just benefits your vision, but also promotes proper blood circulation and posture.

Do not smoke - smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataract. It also damages the optic nerve and causes an adverse effect on vision over time.

Practice frequent hand washing - washing the hands regularly keeps away dust, dirt, and bacteria and prevents getting in contact with your eyes.

Wear appropriate eye safety gear for different activities - make sure your eyes are protected, no matter what you do. Wearing goggles while swimming protects your eyes from chlorine exposure. Safety glasses protect your eyes from injuries, dust particles and bacteria while gardening or attending to a DIY project at home.

Get enough sleep - eyes need rest too, just like the rest of the body, which happens while you sleep. Sufficient sleep keeps the eye revitalized and healthy.

Read more: Eye Care Everywhere – World Sight Day 2018