You depend on your eyes for almost everything, so you need to take care of them the best you can. The first step is, of course, seeing your eye doctor every year for any changes. However, eye care doesn't just stop after your appointment. There are many more things you can do right from home to protect your eyes and avoid problems in the future. Here are several steps to ensure your eyes feel comfortable and stay healthy.
Eat a Diet That Supports Eyesight
While you should already be eating a nutritious diet, there are certain foods you can add to support strong eyesight. If you enjoy fish, rejoice! Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help keep eyes lubricated. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are also beneficial because they contain a nutrient called lutein that helps keep eyes disease-free. You can also find lutein in squash and broccoli. Foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A are fantastic for the eye's cornea and can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe.
Go Easy on Makeup
When choosing eye makeup, select well-known brands and ones that are hypoallergenic. Never use cheap knock-offs, or fakes, that can be made from questionable ingredients. It's also vital to remove your eye makeup every night. Eyeshadow and mascara can get caked-up in your lashes and become difficult to remove. This can eventually clog the oil glands in your eyelids and cause dry eye. Be sure to use a gentle makeup remover, or even a warm washcloth and baby shampoo to remove every trace.
Care for Your Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are an amazing alternative to eyeglasses and millions of people use them. However, contacts have to be cared for meticulously. If you don't keep them clean, or change them often enough, you could risk getting an eye infection. Be sure to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts. You also want to reorder new lenses from sites like https://www.contactlensesplus.com/ so you always have a fresh supply. A high-quality cleaning and soaking solution is also a must.
Treat Your Allergies
When allergies strike in the spring and fall, your eyes can take the brunt. Watery and itchy eyes can feel unbearable and when you rub and scratch, you risk getting dirt in them and even scratching the eye's surface. Treat your allergies as a whole, including a reputable brand of eye drops that are made specifically for allergies and not just red eyes, which could exacerbate the problem. If allergies persist, make an appointment with your eye doctor and ask if they can prescribe something stronger.
Try an Oil Supplement
If you suffer from dry eyes, you might do well to try an oil supplement. Fish oil has been found to be helpful in keeping eyes lubricated since it contains omega-3. If you can't stand the taste of fish oil supplements, or you're a vegetarian, you can try taking flaxseed oil instead. Always check with your doctor before taking any kind of supplement. When you start, begin gradually until you work your way up to the recommended dosage.
Cut Down on Computer Use
It's hard to get through the day without spending at least a little time on the computer. People use them at work, home and even to watch movies, usually at a much closer distance than a TV. Make a commitment to reduce the time you spend on the computer. When you must, try wearing a pair of blue light blocking glasses. This helps cut down on the glare and reduces the eye strain and fatigue that computer use causes.
Make Your Eyes a Priority
Your eyesight is the most important of your senses. Make taking care of your eyes a priority by seeing your doctor regularly, taking care of your contacts and eating a healthy, eye-friendly diet. You'll be able to see better and your eyes will feel much more comfortable, not just today but down the road, too.
