How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy
05 September 2019
Your eyes are one of, if not the most important sense that you have. For National Eye Health Week, we’re looking at the ways you can maintain good eye health through very simple changes to your lifestyle.
Eat Well
Did you know that the food that you consume has a massive impact on your vision? Yes, vitamin C is incredibly important, but it’s not just carrots that will help you on your journey to healthy peepers! Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin E can prevent age related visual conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. A well balanced diet lowers the risk of obesity and in turn, type 2 diabetes, which is a major cause of blindness in adults. If the below foods aren’t already a part of your every-day food intake, it’s best to start incorporating them!
-Green vegetables like spinach and kale
-Oily fish such as tuna and salmon
-Sources of protein including eggs and beans
-Citrus fruits such as oranges
Wear UV Protected Sunglasses
Did you know that over exposure to the sun can increase your risk of developing cataracts and possibly macular degeneration?
Ensure that you choose a pair of sunglasses that blocks 99% to 100% UVA and UVB rays. Did you know that wrap around lenses are a thing? Yep, they help to protect your eyes from the side! Don’t forget that you are also able to get polarised lenses to reduce the glare from the sun whilst driving.
If you’re a contact lens wearer, there are some that offer UV protection, however please do continue to wear sunglasses for extra sun protection.
Quit Smoking
Did you know that you are more at risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and potentially damaging your optic nerve if you smoke? If you’re trying to quit, remember that it may severely affect your vision in a big way - speak to you doctor about support if it is a struggle.
Take Regular Screen Breaks
If you are staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time, you may struggle with the following:
-Blurry vision
-Eyestrain
-Dry eyes
-Headaches
-Back pain
-Trouble focusing at a distance
There are a couple of things you can do to reduce these symptoms:
-Are you glasses and contact lenses up to date? Ensure you go and get regular check ups.
-Computer glasses are a thing! Speak to a professional about your options.
-Try an anti-glare screen protector if needed.
-Lower your screens to avoid eyestrain.
-Take a regular screen breaks and try to blink more! Try and drink as much water as possible to prevent dry eyes.
Wear Safety Eyewear
If you’re exposed to hazardous materials at home, or for the majority of your job, it’s best to get protective goggles or safety glasses.
There are a lot of sports that could cause serious eye injury, such as hockey, rugby and raquet based sports. If you’re a cricket player, you need to ensure that the appropriate helmet is used to protect your face from an impact with the ball.
Get Regular Eye Tests
You may think that your vision is up to standard, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting regular eye tests! There are simple tests that can be carried out to determine whether eye conditions such as glaucoma is present. If you are able to spot these as early as possible, treating will be easier.
In an eye test you will go through the following:
-Family health history
-Tests to determine myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia.
-How the eyes are working together
-Examinations of the front and the back of the eye
-Pressure and optic nerve exams
Further tests may be carried out to rule out any other conditions if the doctor sees it as necessary.
Back to Blog