You work out at the gym, eat healthy and always take your vitamins to stay healthy. You may think you are doing enough, but chances are you aren’t paying enough attention to your eyes. To protect your eyes, include these simple habits in your routine:
Unplug From Your Screens
Are you constantly on your computer or smartphone staring into a screen? According to the American Optometric Association, people who stare at a screen for 2 to 3 continuous hours may suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, which blurs your vision. Every twenty minutes you should look away from your computer to prevent the onset of CVS. If you can, unplug from all screens during the evening and nighttime. Your eyes will thank you for it.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
Eating healthy doesn’t just help keep you trim and your heart healthy, but also can protect your eyes. Web MD recommends that you eat the following foods to prevent macular degeneration, a condition that affects older men:
- Spinach, kale, collards or other leafy green vegetables
- Tuna, salmon and other oily fish
- Beans, eggs, nuts, legumes and non-meat protein sources
- Citrus fruits
These foods contain nutrients like lutein, vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which are shown to prevent cataracts and other eye issues. If this list is too overwhelming, start by including one of these foods in your diet.
Replace Your Contacts
If you wear contacts, you should always remove them before going to sleep. Sleeping with contacts can cause irritation and inflammation, and repeat offenders risk oxygen depletion to their eyes and may suffer from corneal sensitivity. However, if you prefer to sleep with your contacts, there are options available for extended wear.
Before purchasing your contacts, visit the eye doctor so that you have the proper prescription. To lower the cost of replacing your contact lenses on the schedule your doctor recommends, try purchasing online from a discount store like Vision Direct.
Quit Smoking
If you regularly enjoy smoking, saving your eyes is a reason to quit. WebMD reports that quitting smoking can prevent cataracts, macular degeneration and severe optic damage. Letting go of this bad habit will pave the way for better eye health.
Check Your Glucose Levels
Not only is it important to go to the optometrist, but also to get a glucose check during your annual physical to determine if you are diabetic. Research shows that men with diabetes have a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy, which causes potential blindness. With proper glucose checks, you can keep the symptoms of this disease under control.
Use Safety Equipment
Do you like a friendly game on the basketball court, enjoy playing flag football or ice hockey? These sports can lead to injury with a hit to the face or an elbow near your eye. Wear sport goggles with polycarbonate lenses that can help protect your eyes.
Implement Good Habits
There are many other simple habits you can implement to boost your eye health. Some of these include:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection when you are outside.
- Don’t rub your eyes unnecessarily.
- If your eyes suffer from dryness, blink more and rehydrate with drops.
- If you notice prolonged irritation, get checked out by a doctor.
Good eye health is possible with healthy habits. So what are you waiting for? Make these changes today.
