How to take good care of your eyes

Your eyes are one of the most important assets on your body which should be properly taken care of to avoid eye health problems.
Although, Eye health problems can be easily prevented if you practice essential eye care habits that are very practical and easy to achieve yet the most disregarded.

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To maintain your eye health and to keep your vision sharp, take these 12 easy steps below daily:

 

1. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

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The hands are exposed to a lot of dirt, dust, and bacteria, and all of these can be easily transferred to your eyes each time you touch or rub them. So avoid putting your hands to your eyes to prevent infection and irritation.

2. Practice frequent hand washing.

Wash your hands regularly to keep bacteria at bay and prevent them from getting in contact with your eyes, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

3. Protect your eyes from the sun.

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Exposure to sunlight and UV rays increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration and may cause cornea sunburn or photokeratitis. So aside from making a fashion statement and adding a boost to your overall look, put on a pair of sunglasses that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Putting on caps, visors, and hats, is also advisable.

4. Stay hydrated.

Sufficient fluid intake is essential to your body’s overall wellbeing, including the eyes. If you’re hydrated enough, you prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritated.

5. Don’t smoke.

Smoking makes you more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions such as cataracts. Smoking can also damage the optic nerves, which can have adverse effects on your vision over time.

6. Eat a balanced diet.

Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like Beta-carotene, Lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc, Lycopene, and Vitamins C, A, and E are essential for maintaining your eye health. To get them, fill your plate with;

• Green leafy vegetables
• Citrus fruits
• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans, and other protein sources 

7. Keep proper monitor distance:

Computer monitors should be positioned about an arm’s length away from the eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. This keeps your eyes from getting strained. Likewise, make sure that you have sufficient but diffused lighting in your room. Focused and too bright lights may result in glare, and this can put too much stress on the eyes.

8. Observe the 20-20-20 rule.

Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long may cause;

• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

If you want to keep your eyes in great shape, you should stick to the 20-20-20 rule, which states that:

• Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer monitor and fix your gaze on an object that’s 20 feet away from you.
• Blink 20 successive times to prevent eye dryness.
• Every 20 minutes, get out of your seat and take 20 steps. 

This is not just good for your vision, but also promotes proper posture and blood circulation throughout the entire body system. Yes, it keeps you from being inactive too.

9. Use the right kind of eye make-up.

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If you must wear make-up, choose the brand that works well for you. Steer clear of eye shadows, mascara, and eyeliners that cause an allergic reaction to your eyes. Don’t forget to use a make-up remover before going to bed to avoid bacterial build-up from residual make-up left in the eye area. Likewise, clean your make-up brushes regularly, especially those that you use for eye make-up application.

10. Get enough sleep.

Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need to replenish too, and this happens while you sleep. So make sure that you get sufficient eye-shut each day to keep your eyes revitalized and healthy.

11. Wear the appropriate eye safety gear.

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Different activities require different eye protective gear, make sure that your eyes are always protected. If you’re going swimming, wear goggles to avoid exposing your eyes to chlorine. Meanwhile, if you’re gardening or attending to a DIY project at home, put on safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust particles, bacteria, and injuries.

12. Keep your surroundings clean.

Exposure to dirt and dust can irritate the eyes; so make sure that the places you frequent are well maintained and clean. Wash your linen, clothes, and body regularly and keep your workstation clutter-free.

Conclusion

Your eyes are so important that it has to be catered for round the clock. Follow those simple steps mentioned above and have an eyes health problem-free day every day.

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