Vision is very important in our life, almost every action and activity requires a good vision. Hence, adapting proper eye care tips and techniques can help us protect our eyes and maintain a healthy vision.

How Do You Take Care Of Your Eyes?

1.    Nutritious Diet

Consuming nutritious and healthy food is the beginning of maintaining good eye health. Omega-3, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may be essential in preventing certain age-related visual disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts. You may obtain these nutritions or elements through the following foods:

• Green leafy vegetables that are rich in lutein and zinc such as kale, collards and spinach.
• Fishes that are rich in omega-3 such as salmon and tuna.
• Protein sources such as eggs, almonds, beans, and legumes.
• Fruits that are rich in vitamin C and E such as citrus fruit, oranges and fruit juices.

A balanced diet is also beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight. This reduces your chances of developing obesity and associated disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is one of the common causes of vision problems and blindness in people.

2.    Smoking Cessation

As always, smoking is never a good practice. It increases the risk of cataracts, ocular nerve damage, and macular degeneration, along with other medical issues. If you’ve attempted to break the habit, keep it up, try your best to avoid relapse of this behavior. The more you try to stop, the more probable it is that you will succeed, so never give up. Consult your doctor for assistance may also help you to quit smoking.

3.    Wear UV Polarized Glasses or Sunglasses

The proper sunglasses will shield your eyes from the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Excessive UV exposure will increase your risk of having cataracts and macular degeneration. Select a pair of spectacles that can filter 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Wraparound lenses are able to shield your eyes from the sides. Polarized glasses without UV filtering technique may minimise glare while driving but it does not provide additional protection. Therefore, it is important to choose the right glasses or sunglasses that provide a good protection against UV light; aside from the design itself. Some contact lenses may claim to provide UV protection, nonetheless, wearing sunglasses as an extra layer is still a smart move.

4.    Wear Protective Eyewear

Wear safety glasses or protective eyewear if you work with dangerous or airborne chemicals at work or at home to reduce the risk of exposure. Protect your eyes with goggles or wear a helmet with a protective face mask or use sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses if you participate in some high intensity sports. For example, ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse have potential to cause eye injuries.

5.    Avoid Staring At Computer Screen For Long Hours

Spending too much time staring at a computer or phone screen might result in eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, difficulty in focusing, headache, neck, shoulder and back ache. If your work requires you to stay in front of a computer for long periods, the following steps may help you to protect your eyes from the blue rays of the monitor.

• Choose a pair of glasses or contacts with blue rays filtering technique and suitable for viewing a computer screen.
• Adjust the screen so that your eyes are parallel to the top of the display. This allows you to glance down at the screen. Prevent facing the screen directly.
• Select a chair that is both comfy and supportive, best with lumbar and cervical supports.
• If your eyes are dry or strain, consider blinking more frequently or using artificial tears.
• Take a 20-minute break from the screen. Shift your gaze 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Get up every 2 hours and take a 15-minute break if needed.
• Remember to consult a doctor if your eye strain persists.

6.    Have An Eye Check-up Regularly

Everyone, including young children, requires eye examinations and check-ups regularly. It protects your eyes and allows you to see your best, screening for any abnormalities in your vision. Eye examinations can also detect asymptomatic illnesses, such as open angle glaucoma. It is critical to identify them early on, when they can be managed and cured more easily. At the same time, it prevents emerging complications and permanent visual loss.