“Eyes talk better than words sometimes.” – Mement Omori
Your eyes are an important part of your health. Yet it’s one of those parts of the body that many people take for granted until something bad happens. Apart from those who have visual impairment, most people rely on their eyes to see and make sense of the world around them.
Because you really need your eyes for ease of movement, you should protect them from eye diseases because if not attended to properly, loss of vision can occur.
To prevent such sad incidences from happening, take these easy steps to keep your beautiful eyes healthy;
Eat a healthy, balanced diet:
In case you didn’t realise, the food you eat is not for strength or weight loss alone. Plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut should be included regularly in your diet.
Maintain a healthy weight:
Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetes which in turn puts you at a higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. Exercise may help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol and in the long run, contribute to lower your risk of getting these vision problems.
Get a pair of Sunglasses and wear them outdoors:
The right pair of shades will help protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure increases the chances of getting cataracts and macular degeneration. When picking a pair, choose one that blocks 99 per cent to 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side.
Give your eyes a rest:
If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you can forget to blink your eyes and your eyes can get tired. If you can’t help to get away from the screen because of work, here’s what you can do to reduce eyestrain – the 20-20-20 rule which states that every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. You can programme it on your computer and set an alarm.
Take extra care if you wear contacts:
Wash your hands well before you put in or take out your contact lenses. Also, follow the instructions on how to properly clean them, and replace them when needed. Do not go to bed with your contacts on or wear them for too long.
Use Safety Eyewear:
If you use hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles. Wear eye protection and (or) helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses to shield your eyes if you are involved in activities like ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse.
Know your family medical history or risk factors:
Some eye diseases are inherited, so it is important to find out whether anyone in your family has had them. This can help you determine if you are at a higher risk of developing an eye disease. Also, as you get older, the risk of developing age-related eye diseases and conditions increases. So, it’s important to be aware of your risk factors to help you lower the chances by changing some behaviours.
Your Eyes deserve medical attention too:
Everyone, including children, need a regular eye exam because seeing an eye doctor can help you spot an issue early on, making it easier to treat.
Depending on your eye health needs, you can see one of two types of doctors; an Ophthalmologist who specializes in general eye care including surgeries; and (or) Optometrists who have had years of specialized training after college and can provide general eye care and can diagnose and treat most eye diseases. These ones however don’t conduct eye surgery.
It is time to take care of your eyes, after all, they are the windows through which you see the world.
Do you have questions or comments? Do share with us in the comment section.