How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Helpful Tips from eyecarecenter

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, no matter the weather or season. Exposure to these UV rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts, which require surgery to remove. Wearing a pair of sunglasses that provides 99 to 100% UV protection can help to limit your exposure to both UVA and UVB rays.

Practice Proper Eye Hygiene

Do you wash your hands before you touch your eyes? If not, you’re putting yourself at a high risk for a painful eye infection. The viruses and bacteria that cause pink eye and other infections spread easily.

Practice good eye hygiene to reduce your chance of having an eye infection. Eye care professionals recommend washing your hands before touching your eyes and to avoid rubbing your eyes. They also say you should follow the care instructions of your contact lenses to keep your lenses free from potentially harmful germs. 

Sharing isn’t caring when it comes to eye care –– avoid sharing eye makeup or washcloths with other people.

Spend Time Away from Screens

Does your job require you to look at a computer screen for most of the day? If so, you may be experiencing digital eye strain caused by overexposure to digital devices. 

Give your eyes a break periodically by practicing the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look up from your computer and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These brief periods of rest should help your eyes see your device better and may prevent digital eye strain.

Have a Balanced Diet

Have you ever heard someone say that eating carrots is good for your eyes? Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, a vitamin needed for a healthy functioning ocular surface. Other produce rich in vitamin A are sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomato products. 

Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants are also good for your eyes. Try adding more kale to your diet, as it’s full of antioxidants that help to lower the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. 

Salmon and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help to prevent age-related eye problems.

Make Dilated Eye Exams a Routine

Everyone, regardless of their ocular health, should get a comprehensive eye exam periodically. These eye exams are a simple way to find out about any “silent" eye conditions that could damage your sight. 

Comprehensive eye exams are especially important for those over 40 years of age. Eye care professionals can screen for age-related eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. During the appointment the eye doctor will use eye drops to temporarily dilate, or expand, your pupils to make it easier to see inside your eyes. This lets eye doctors examine the eye for any signs of diseases or harmful eye conditions. If you're diagnosed during a dilated exam, you can begin treatment early to help prevent vision loss.

After the appointment is over your doctor will recommend when to return for your next eye exam. It’s typically once every one to two years but can vary from person to person. Those with a family history of certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may have to visit their eye doctor more than once a year.