Many people experience eye problems every year. The National Eye Institute has projected that the number of people suffering from prevalent eye defects will double between 2010 and 2050. Depending on the issue you are experiencing, you may correct the problem using glasses or lenses, or you may lose your eyesight permanently.
An increase in age can also affect your eyesight by reducing the strength of your vision. But what can you do to help improve your eyesight? Is there a way that you can prevent the numerous eye diseases from affecting your eyes?
Tips on How to Protect Your Eyes
Visit your optician regularly
Your eyes may appear to be healthy, but only an optician can give you a definite answer as to whether your eyes are healthy. Regular visits will ensure that an optician spots any condition early and provides you with the necessary treatment.
When you are at risk of getting an eye disease or aged 60 and above, an optician will lead you through a comprehensive eye exam. The eye specialist will also help your eyes widen by adding a single drop into your eyes. Your eyes will, therefore, receive more light giving the doctor the chance to look for any signs of disease and damages.
Eat healthy foods
You should consume foods that are rich in nutrients that promote eye health. Some of the nutrients that can benefit your eyes include lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and E, and Zinc. They will protect you against cataracts and other diseases.
You can get these nutrients from green leafy vegetables, oysters, pork, oily fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and other sources of proteins. It would help if you always aim for a healthy diet to minimize the risks of type-2 diabetes or obesity, which may cause blindness.
Wear your sunglasses when outdoors
Wearing your sunglasses will shield your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. By overexposing your eyes to the sun, you risk getting macular degeneration.
When choosing the right sunglasses to use, you should not sacrifice safety for style. Instead, select the glasses that offer to block 99 to 100 percent of the UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Contact lenses Australia may also provide you with UV protection. However, it is still wise to carry a pair of sunglasses with you.
Rest your eyes regularly
By resting your eyes, you will reduce the stress and fatigue that affects them, primarily when you work in front of a screen the whole day. According to MedlinePlus, you need to implement the 20-20-20 rule, when working in front of a screen. After every 20 minutes, you should look away at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds if you want to relieve your eyes from strain.
Final Thoughts
There are other methods that you can use to protect your vision apart from those listed above. Eye specialists recommend spending less time on work that requires an up-close focusing and more time on outdoor activities. However, when outdoors, you should protect your eyes from airborne allergens that may lead to an ocular allergy. You can do so by wearing wraparound sunglasses.
