5 tips for eye health and maintaining good eyesight

Optometrists agree that eye strain and other types of eye defects have begun occurring more frequently due to prolonged hours of using a bright screen. Beyond computer usage, mere exposure to sunlight can also affect the health of your eyes and standard of sight. However, you don’t have to suffer through painful and burdensome eye defects if you put the right measures in place to protect your eyes. Here are five tips for eye health and maintaining good eyesight.

• Eating healthy

The food that goes into your body is just as important for your eyes as it is for every other part. There are certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C & E that help to strengthen your eyes and ward off problems like cataracts. You can find these nutrients in leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, oysters, pork, and citrus fruits. By loading up your plate with these items and eating healthy, you protect your eye health and also maintain a healthy weight.

• Take Screen Breaks

When working with a computer for long hours, it is important to take frequent breaks to maintain your eyesight. With the 20:20:20 rule, your eyes can get the much needed rest to stay in good condition. At every 20 minutes interval, take a 20 seconds break to look at something that is at least 20 feet away from you. That way, you can reduce the pressure on your eyes and maybe get some time to stretch the rest of your body before going back to the work.

• Get Sunglasses

The ultraviolet rays from the sun have some health benefits but too much exposure can cause macular degeneration and increase the chances of you getting cataracts. With sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent protection from the rays, you can keep your eyes safe from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

• Go for regular Eye exams

An optometrist is in the best position to tell you the condition of your eyes and what you can do to maintain good eyesight. Schedule appointments as regularly as you can, prepare for the eye exam, and get the professional advice to keep your eyes in great condition.

• Avoid Smoking

Smoking has so many hazardous impacts on the overall health and wellbeing of anyone, especially when it comes to eye health. Frequent smokers are more likely to get cataracts, macular degeneration, and several other eye-related health problems. There is next to no reason to smoke, and this is one more reason to quit smoking. If you need some support to successfully drop the habit, do not hesitate to ask your doctor, family, or friends for helps.

The average person spends well over two hours in front of some form of digital screen every day and that is detrimental to the eye health. If you can’t get long breaks from the computer, the next best thing to do is optimize your eye health by sticking to healthy practices that maintain your eyesight. If you have any symptoms, book an appointment with your optometrist for professional advice and medication.