Posted by Though it may be frequently overlooked by some, eye care really is a topic that requires a good deal of attention and emphasis. The health of the eyes can have significant implications in just about every aspect of life, and is therefore worthy of real effort. The tips below are intended to help you keep your eyes in great shape and get the eye care you need.
When selecting an eye care professional, do not skimp when it comes to doing your homework on each prospective doctor’s qualifications. Check their educational background, certifications and licensure to ensure that everything is as represented. Doing these things will help you feel confident when it comes to entrusting the health of your eyes to someone new.
Avoid frequent eye strain, for the long-term health of your eyes. While the occasional squinting isn’t going to do much harm, if you’re doing it on a daily basis, your vision could be in danger. Experts recommend getting an exam to determine if your strain is due to needing glasses and to otherwise go easy on your eyes.
Make sure you always have adequate lighting when you work or read. Your eyes will be straining all the time if you’re trying to see things without sufficient illumination in the room. Over time, this can cause serious damage. Increase your wattage or the number of lighting fixtures in any given room to solve the problem.
If you work for long periods of time on a computer, protect your eyes by taking frequent breaks. You might have noticed that your eyes often feel strained, tired and itchy during regular working hours. This is probably a good indication that you’re over working them. Get up and stretch for a few minutes, offering your eyes some time away from the screen.
If you wear contacts, you must follow your eye doctor’s instruction carefully. If your eyes feel irritated when you put them on, that can mean that your contact lenses are damaged. Another reason could be an eye problem that is beginning to form. See your eyecare professional right away to prevent a more serious problem.
Avoid looking at your computer screen for too long. Take a break every half hour to give your eyes a rest from the strain. Staring at your computer can cause dry eye because you do not blink as often, so make an effort to blink every 30 seconds while you are at your computer.
Choose a thick, dense eye creme to ensure the skin around your eyes stays taught and firm. Make sure the product you choose includes essential fatty acids as they are a necessity for your most delicate skin. If you are a teen, the time is now to start, but even adults can benefit from starting later.
Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. If you’re looking for another excuse to drink coffee in the morning, then you’ve found one. Studies have shown that drinking one or two cups of coffee each morning can actually help replenish tears that help keep eyes moist. Keep the limit at two cups or you’ll do more damage than good.
Quit smoking immediately. Smoking is terrible for your eyes as it will restrict the blood flow that you need to keep your eyes functioning properly. Additionally, smoking can disrupt your immune system, which is needed to flush out the free radicals in your body. This will make you feel better while improving the health of your eyes.
Make sure to have your eyes looked at regularly. Many people, particularly if they do not wear glasses or contacts, have not been to the eye doctor in years. You should go at least once in your 20s and at least twice in your 30s to make sure everything is on track. Once you hit forty, try and visit the eye doctor every three years or so. And, when you reach age 65, you should go every other year.
Know your history. If your parents or grandparents had trouble with their eyes, chances are you will too. Make an effort to get checkups at the eye doctor more often, to ensure that no problems have developed. And, if you are diagnosed with anything, make sure your family members know about it.
If you want to maintain your eyes healthy and you are a smoker, quit smoking. Smokers are more prone to getting optic nerve damage, macular degeneration and cataracts. If you have attempted to quit smoking before and have failed, keep trying. If you need extra motivation, think about the damage smoking can do to your eyes.
Keep some form of artificial tear drops around. A lot of eye strain is related to improperly lubricated eyes. By using drops, you can increase the thickness and amount of lubrication your eyes need. If you are sensitive to preservatives, look for a brand that is preservative-free to avoid creating more symptoms.
Try splashing cold, clean water on your face and eyes, especially if you have to stay alert for a long period of time. This can help relieve irritation, pain, and redness. Also, it will give you a boost of energy so that you can take care of your business efficiently.
If you wear contact lenses, avoid wearing them for longer than 19 hours. Make sure you don’t sleep with your contact lenses. Your eyes need constant oxygen supply and contacts block oxygen flow to your eyes. Doing this can permanently damage your sight and create great discomfort for your eyes.
Wear eye protection when you are playing certain sports. When you engage in a sport, there is a chance of your face or eyes getting struck by a ball or by another player. Eye protection will at least guard your eyes from any harmful blows. Check with your eyecare professional to get the right kind of protection for the type of sport that you are playing.
It is sometimes easy to take eye care for granted, particularly if you have never experienced problems with your vision. However, because eye health can have an impact on overall health, it is important to take eye care seriously. By keeping the above advice handy, you can be prepared for anything that comes your way.