Your eyes are an important part of your overall health, and taking care of them can help to prevent vision problems and other eye conditions. Here are some simple things that you can do to take care of your eyes and keep them healthy:
- Get regular eye exams
It is recommended that adults have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year (1). This can help to detect any problems early on, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. Children should have their eyes checked at least once between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, and then again before starting school (2).
- Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses that block out harmful UV rays can help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays (3). Look for sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Protect your eyes from the computer screen
If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, it’s important to take regular breaks to rest your eyes and look away from the screen (4). Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
- Eat a healthy diet
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those that contain vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc, can help to keep your eyes healthy (5). Some examples of eye-healthy foods include oranges, strawberries, spinach, and nuts.
- Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (6). Quitting smoking can help to protect your eyes and overall health.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your eyes hydrated and healthy (7). Aim for at least 8 cups of water per day.
- Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for overall eye health (8). Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
- Remove makeup before sleeping
Make sure to remove your eye makeup before going to bed to avoid irritation and clogged pores (9). Use a gentle makeup remover and be sure to clean your eye makeup brushes regularly.
- Use artificial tears
If your eyes feel dry or tired, using artificial tears can help to lubricate and refresh them (10). Look for a brand that is preservative-free to avoid further irritation.
By following these simple eye health tips, you can help to protect your eyes and maintain good vision. Remember to see an eye doctor regularly and take steps to care for your eyes on a daily basis.
References:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). How often should I have a comprehensive dilated eye exam? Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/how-often-comprehensive-dilated-eye-exam
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Children’s eye exams. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/Childrens-Eye-Exams.aspx
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Sunglasses: Protect your vision in the sun. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-