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.
You should wear sunglasses as often as possible. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement, they’re a source of much-needed protection from the sun. Sunglasses block Ultra-Violet radiation, which can cause serious and long-term damage to the eye. Sunglasses can even prevent wrinkles and cancer from forming around the eye!
People who wear contacts need to take particularly good care of their eyes. While contacts are very useful for vision, if the materials are not properly cleaned and maintained, it can be potentially damaging to eyes. Make sure your contacts are the right prescription and that you follow all instructions provided by your health care professional.
Don’t stare at the computer screen too long. You can end up with issues like eyestrain, blurriness, headaches, dry eyes, and decreased distance focus. Try taking breaks every 20 minutes or so by looking 20 feet away from the screen for about 20 seconds. This can help you rest and re-focus your eyes to reduce or prevent those eye issues.
Don’t smoke. Along with other things, smoking can really damage your eyes. It can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Not only that, but it is harmful in other ways to other areas of your body. If you are having a hard time quitting smoking, keep trying, it will be worth it when you are successful.
Drink plenty of water. As with the rest of your body, your eyes require adequate hydration. If you consume adequate amounts of water, it will help you. Consider talking to your health care professional to find out how much water you need to consume each day based on your weight and activity levels.
Always wear safety goggles when coming in contact with hazardous materials, regardless of if you are at work or at home. It is best to keep a pair of these goggles in both locations, just in case you are faced with a situation where you need them. Do not take the safety of your eyes for granted.
Do you play sports? Certain contact sports, like lacrosse and ice hockey, can be dangerous for your eyes. Make sure you wear either sports goggles or a face mask to limit your risk. While it may seem strange to wear them at first, you will quickly get used to them.
It’s a good idea to have a saline solution in your house to use as an eye flush. Keeping your eyes safe is easy to do with goggles. Typically, though, you aren’t going to put on goggles to pick up around the house. Should something get in your eye, you can then clean it with saline solution.
Eye exams should be a regular occurrence to maintain good eyesight. As you get older, it becomes even more important, so see the doctor more frequently. Aging brings on an increased risk for issues such as glaucoma, cataracts and deteriorating eye sight. This lets a medical professional see problems when they can easily be taken care of.
To help your eyes when using a computer, use a blinking technique. When you have been using the computer for a half hour or so, look away at something distant. While doing this, blink several times. This change in focus will allow your eyes to relieve strain and focus better on your computer screen.
Use allergy eye drops sparingly if you need them to sooth the itchiness. Don’t use them for longer than recommended. If using eyedrops is not helping your eyes much, see your eye doctor for more effective treatments.
You need to know about eye care when it comes to your family’s history. There are many eye problems that are hereditary in nature. It is very important to find out if eye disease runs in your family. This will allow you to follow a plan that will diminish your chances of facing problems because of early detection.
People who have allergies often have red and itchy eyes. Be careful to avoid rubbing them because that will only make the problem worse. If you have seasonal allergies you can take medication to prevent the symptoms, and you can also use allergen-reducing eye drops. Make sure to follow the directions for the eye drops to avoid future problems.
Eat foods that promote good eye health. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C, as well as foods that contain lutein, are excellent choices. Some foods that contain those substances are wild salmon, citrus fruits, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables. Have these foods every day so that your eyes continue to be healthy.
If your eyes are red and puffy, try applying a cool green bag on each eye lid. The tannin in the tea leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Soak a couple of tea bags in cold water for several minutes. Then, place them on top of your eyelids for about twenty minutes.
Practice good makeup hygiene. Makeup worn on and around the eyes, particularly mascara, can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you want to ensure that your eyes stay clear and free from infection, take a few precautions. Mascara should be tossed after three months. In addition, avoid putting liner inside of the eyelash. This can block the oil glands necessary to keep your eyes protected.
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.