Everyone is born with two eyes. Most people use their eyes each day to see, so it is important that they continue to function properly. As you get older, it is even more important to make sure that your eyes are taken care of. Here are a few things you can do to care for your eyes.
The best advice in eye care is to have regular eye exams. Especially if you’ve reached the age of 40, your eyes need more attention than ever before. Various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, can have a very negative impact on vision. Regular examinations will ensure eye health is protected.
When going for eye exams, only consult with a skilled professional. To find a good doctor locally, ask around and/or do an online search. A recommendation can ensure you get the best care possible.
Don’t smoke. You probably already know that there are many serious dangers related to cigarette smoking. One of the less-known dangers is developing Age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD). Several scientific studies have shown that the patients who did smoke were much more likely to develop AMD than those who didn’t smoke. Just another reason not to start smoking or to quit today.
Avoid touching your eyes with your hand during the day if you had not washed your hands. When you are on the job or in school, your hands are in contact with surfaces that are full of bacteria. If you touch your eyes, you will transfer the bacteria to your eyes and raise the risk if an eye infection.
Avoid exposing your eyes to bright light for a long period of time. The bright light can cause your eye muscles to strain. They can also damage your eyes. If you are out in the sun all day long, wear a hat and a pair of sunglasses that offer UV protection.
If you are among the many still smoking cigarettes, stop now. Cigarette smoke not only damages your lungs, but your eyes, as well. Eye problems plague those who have a smoking history. You may still be able to lower your risk of eye problems by quitting in the very near future.
If you regularly wear contacts, keep a pair of backup prescription eye glasses. When experiencing irritation in the eye, you should remove the contact and wear a pair of prescription eye glasses. Keeping a contact lens in your eye while the eye is irritated can turn this seemingly small problem into something much larger, such as corneal ulcer.
Just because you blink a lot does not automatically mean you have an eye problem. If your eyes are not dry, it may be some sort of nervous tic caused by stress. If this is happening, try relaxation. If a tic is unlikely, talk with your ophthalmologist.
When you are reading, make sure that you have adequate lighting. Reading in low light can cause your eyes to strain unnecessarily. This can lead to eye discomfort and potential problems. Read by a window that provides bright light, or turn on more lights indoors when you are reading at night.
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.
If you use eye drops to sooth your eyes because allergens irritate them, you should use them sparingly. Other issues may arise from prolonged use. If problems persist after using eye drops for some time, it is best that you pay a visit to your eye doctor to have them checked out for a better solution.
Do you wear contacts? If so, make sure you have a pair of glasses that you can wear if your eyes get irritated. You do not want to make the situation worse by forcing yourself to wear the contacts because serious problems can result. Also, make sure you keep the contacts very clean.
As you age, it is normal for the eyes to feel dry more often. Consume a diet that has omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, either hot or cold air can make the problem worse. Be sure the vents of your car heater or air conditioner are not pointed toward your eyes. This also applies at work and at home.
While sunglasses are helpful for protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, it may also be wise to wear a wide-brimmed hat. Wearing this kind of hat prevents any UV rays from reaching your whole face, including your eyes. So, if you know you will be outdoors for a long period of time, wear this kind of hat.
Stay active. You may not associate exercise with eye health, but the truth is, it increases circulation. That means there is often less pressure in the eyes. Plus, if you are in tune with your body, you will often know when something does not feel right. Get yourself checked out if you have any concerns.
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.
After reading this article, you now have the knowledge you need to better care for your eyes. Make sure that you use the tips above to help you to start thinking about what you can do for your eyes. Try each of the tips to see which ones work best for you and your eyes.
