Eye care is a topic that doesn’t seem to get much attention today. Few people discuss it with loved ones or even with their doctor. Thankfully, you know it’s important and have found this article, so check out the great ideas found below on taking good care of your eyes.
Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated. Your eyes are made mostly of water, and they need to stay moist at all times to remain healthy. Dry eyes are more prone to eye problems and diseases. Keeping your body fully hydrated will ensure that your eyes stay moisturized.
If you wear contacts, you must follow your eye doctor’s instruction carefully. If your eyes feel irritated when you put them on, that can mean that your contact lenses are damaged. Another reason could be an eye problem that is beginning to form. See your eyecare professional right away to prevent a more serious problem.
Quality sunglasses can go a long way. These can keep the eyes safe from dangerous UV rays. Choose a pair that blocks 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. If you drive a lot, consider polarized lenses. This can take away the glare from your glasses. Even with contacts that have UV protection, sunglasses are still necessary.
Drink plenty of water. As with the rest of your body, your eyes require adequate hydration. If you consume adequate amounts of water, it will help you. Consider talking to your health care professional to find out how much water you need to consume each day based on your weight and activity levels.
When you are staring at a computer for long periods of time you blink less often. This can lead to eye fatigue. To combat it, remember the phrase 20-20-20. This means Every twenty minutes give your eyes a break by looking into the distance twenty feet away, for twenty seconds. It will refresh your eyes and prevent eye strain.
Make sure to have your eyes looked at regularly. Many people, particularly if they do not wear glasses or contacts, have not been to the eye doctor in years. You should go at least once in your 20s and at least twice in your 30s to make sure everything is on track. Once you hit forty, try and visit the eye doctor every three years or so. And, when you reach age 65, you should go every other year.
Know your family’s eye health history. Many conditions of the eye are hereditary. This is why you should know your family’s vision problems. This allows you to take steps to decrease your chances, or assures that you catch it quickly should you develop a problem.
People who have allergies often have red and itchy eyes. Be careful to avoid rubbing them because that will only make the problem worse. If you have seasonal allergies you can take medication to prevent the symptoms, and you can also use allergen-reducing eye drops. Make sure to follow the directions for the eye drops to avoid future problems.
While sunglasses are helpful for protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, it may also be wise to wear a wide-brimmed hat. Wearing this kind of hat prevents any UV rays from reaching your whole face, including your eyes. So, if you know you will be outdoors for a long period of time, wear this kind of hat.
If you use contact lenses, be sure to wash your hands before touching them. There are all sorts of germs and viruses which can enter your body through your eye. The last thing you want is an eye infection, or even a cold or the flu, so wash up first!
Stay active. You may not associate exercise with eye health, but the truth is, it increases circulation. That means there is often less pressure in the eyes. Plus, if you are in tune with your body, you will often know when something does not feel right. Get yourself checked out if you have any concerns.
If you work at a computer, take short breaks. When you move around, you will improve your circulation and re-energize yourself. This will also relieve the stain on your eyes.
Chilled cucumber slices applied to the eyes can reduce swelling and rest and relax the eyes. Use 1/4 inch slices of cucumbers on your closed eyes for around 10 minutes. A great way to reduce inflammation and and puffiness is to use bags from green tea that have been soaked in water.
It’s a shame that more people don’t talk about caring for their eyes, but when they lose their vision, it’ll be too late. You’ve learned all you can today, so you are prepared to care for your eyes. Be sure to let others in on what you know so they can do the same themselves.
