How Healthy Daily Habits Can Boost Your Eye Health
Your vision is invaluable, and in today’s digital age, thanks to increased screen time and the resulting sensitivity to our vision, the overall health of your eyes is more critical to take care of than at any time in the past. With our eyes being the windows to the world, this National Eye Health Week is the perfect time to assess your daily habits and make tweaks that promote strong and vibrant eyes.
There are many ways you can support your eyes beyond regular trips to the opticians. In this blog, we discuss healthy daily habits that can be easily integrated into your routine, ensuring that you take optimum care of your visual health.
Eat well
A balanced diet is essential for all-round health, including your eyes. The right nutrients can significantly reduce the risk of developing age-related eye issues, making it crucial to select vision-friendly foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, healthy fats protect against dry eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Lutein and zeaxanthin– These antioxidants are essential to good eye health. They are found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale and are excellent for macular health.
Incorporate vitamins for eyes, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc, into your diet to fight age-related vision issues—available in citrus fruits, nuts, and beans, these antioxidants are crucial for eye health.
Keep up with regular exercise
Staying active can impact eye health, particularly in conditions exacerbated by poor circulation. Aerobic exercise helps maintain healthy blood pressure, ensuring that your eyes get their share of nutrient-rich blood. Why not go for a walk on your lunch break, cycle to work, or relax in the evenings with some yoga?
Ditch the cigarettes
If you need another reason to quit, here it is – smoking can lead to the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. The chemicals in cigarettes can also cause irritation for contact lens wearers and double your chances of developing dry eye syndrome.
Shield your eyes from the sun
To avoid UV damage, wear sunglasses with UV protection every time you step outside. For the best protection, choose wraparound lenses that keep those sneaky UV rays. Keeping sunglasses in your bag, car, or by the door ensures you’re never caught off-guard without them.
Use safety eyewear for risky situations
Be it chopping wood in the garden or a day of DIY, protecting your eyes from potential injury is non-negotiable. Plain, clear safety goggles that you can pop on over your glasses can protect your eyes, helping prevent injury. Make sure the pair you choose meets the safety standards for the activity. If you’re a sports enthusiast, specialist sports eyewear is also available to help avoid eye injuries on the court or pitch.
Take regular screen breaks
Constant exposure to screens can lead to digital eye strain, causing blurred vision, sore eyes, and headaches. For every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. You can optimise your workspace by adjusting screen settings, taking longer breaks, and considering using protective covers that reduce glare.
Schedule eye examinations
This is a no-brainer but is often overlooked. Regular check-ups are vital for catching and managing eye issues early on. Unless advised otherwise by your optometrist, you should attend an eye examination at least every two years.
Don’t ignore symptoms
Implementing these habits can work wonders for your eye health and are simple adjustments to your lifestyle. Make a conscious effort this National Eye Health Week to protect your vision.Persistent dryness, changes in vision, or frequent headaches can be signs of an underlying problem – don’t wait for your next appointment. Book your next eye exam at our opticians in Whitley Bay today.