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8 Eye Friendly Habits You Can Start Today
Clear vision is something many of us take for granted. That is, until problems start to appear. Vision issues are more common than you might think, and the likelihood of developing them increases with age.
The good news is that with just a few simple habits, you can play a pivotal role in maintaining your eye health and clear vision.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center, our goal is to support you in protecting your vision through comprehensive eye exams and personalized support tailored to your unique needs.
In this month’s blog post, Curtis Frank, OD, and our team offer eight steps you can take today to support better eye health and vision.
1. Give your eyes some rest
Especially in today’s digital world, spending hours staring at a lighted screen is a common habit. However, it can take a toll on your eyes and your vision.
Prolonged screen use can make your eyes feel dry and irritated. Consider the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break to stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit relaxes your eye muscles and reduces eye strain.
2. Optimize your lighting
The right lighting can be a big help in reducing eye strain and eye fatigue by giving your eyes the support they need for optimal vision. Dim lighting forces your eyes to work harder, while overly bright light can cause glare and discomfort.
Aim for soft, ambient lighting for general use, with focused task lighting to help you see close up. Don’t forget to adjust the brightness on your phone and computer to reduce strain and irritation, too.
3. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays
We often think about sun damage in terms of its effects on our skin, but the sun’s UV rays can also be harmful to our eyes, increasing the risk of serious eye problems over time.
You can reduce this risk by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays every day, even when it’s overcast. Protect your eyes from reflected light, too, like the glare from sand, water, or snow.
4. Use artificial tears as needed
If your eyes often feel dry or scratchy, artificial tears could be the solution you’re looking for. Thicker than regular eye drops, artificial tears supplement the tears your eyes make, providing soothing lubrication that keeps the eye surface comfortable and protected.
5. Discard old makeup
Old or shared eye makeup can harbor bacteria and increase your risk of serious eye infections.
To keep your eyes safe, replace eye cosmetics every three months and never share makeup products or brushes. Clean and dry applicators thoroughly, and if you have an eye infection, stop using makeup until the infection clears up.
6. Adopt an eye-healthy diet
Nutrition plays a surprisingly significant role in maintaining your eyes' health. Be sure to include plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, nuts, and seeds, in your diet to help protect against common age-related eye diseases.
7. Have regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining your vision and overall eye health. These checkups allow Dr. Frank to identify early signs of eye disease or vision changes so they can be treated before they become serious.
Annual exams are especially important as you age, when the risks of eye diseases and vision loss increase significantly. They are also important for school-aged kids.
8. Quit smoking
Smoking is linked to an increased risk of serious eye diseases, like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The fumes and smoke generated from smoking also expose your eyes to irritants that cause redness and soreness.
Quitting smoking benefits not only your eyes but your overall health, too. For support in quitting, check out the resources at Smokefree.gov or join a local or online support group.
Make eye care a priority
Just a bit of time and effort is all it takes to dramatically improve your eye health and reduce your risk of vision problems. If you have any type of vision or eye symptoms or if you’re due for your next eye exam, request an appointment with Dr. Frank and the team at Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston, Massachusetts, today.
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