9 Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes

Your eyesight is essential to perceive the world around you. It can show you a beautiful sunset or an oncoming car. It has been said that it is the most important of all five senses and for that reason, you should take good care of it. While eyes can provide you with vast information in an instant, they are also delicate. A wandering dust particle is enough to cause discomfort and even impair vision. There are many ways to protect your eyesight though. Proper nutrition and rest, for example, can make a big difference between clear and blurry vision.

1. Eat the right food

The first step towards enjoying good eyesight is consuming the proper foods. Oranges, spinach, kale, nuts, salmon, and tuna contain key nutrients such as lutein, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene and vitamin C that are indispensable to maintain the health of your eyes. These compounds are known to reduce the chances of developing conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Moreover, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish contributes to decreasing obesity as well.

2. Drink enough water

Believe it or not, dehydration can cause dry eyes and mild irritation. Drink water constantly to keep your body and eyes hydrated.

3. Stay away from smoking

It isn't a secret that smoking contributes to several health problems. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and even optic nerve damage are just a few of the consequences that smokers can experience. If you smoke, ask your health care professional to assist you in leaving the dangerous habit.

4. Take a break from the computer

Your computer monitor and smartphone screen can strain your eyes if you stare at them for too long. This can lead to dry eyes, headaches and even blurry vision. Every 20 minutes look away and rest your eyes. You should also take a break, blink around 20 times and walk for approximately 15 minutes. Doing this will give your eyes a necessary breather.

5. Wear sunglasses outside

UV rays are dangerous not only to your skin but to your eyes as well. Always wear sunglasses if you are going to be exposed to sunlight outside. Make sure they block 99% of UVA and UVB rays. If you can find them polarized, they will help even more by reducing the glare while driving.

6. Remember to wash your hands

Your hands are exposed to bacteria and other microbes daily. Every object you touch is a potential source of contamination, and it is common to rub your eyes whenever your eyes are itchy. Because of this, it is imperative to wash them regularly to keep the microscopic threats away from your eyes and contact lenses.

7. Use protective eyewear

If you like gardening or are involved in DIY projects, you should wear protective eyewear. You can never tell when dust, wood or metal particles might get into your eyes without warning. Even if you are only swimming, you can prevent chemicals such as chlorine to cause eye irritation.

8. Follow contact lenses recommendations

You should always follow the instructions given for your contact lenses. Your eyes need oxygen and wearing contacts too long can lead to irritated eyes and blurry vision among other problems. Clean the lenses often and follow the advice of your eye doctor.

9. Pay a visit to your eye doctor

Visiting your eye doctor can prevent a lot of headaches. You never know when a condition such as glaucoma might be lurking without you noticing. If you can catch it early, you might be able to treat it without complications. Otherwise, your eyesight might be at risk.

Taking care of your eyes is simple. You should always follow common sense when it comes to protecting them. Always take precautions before getting involved in any task that might expose your eyes to any threat. Safety comes first and never assume you will be fine. If you are having eyesight problems, don't wait until the last minute to visit an eye doctor.