TIPS FOR HEALTHIER EYES
Take a 20 Second Computer Break
- Staring at a computer (or any digital screen) won’t hurt your eyes, but it can make
them feel tired & dry. - Surprisingly, we blink about half as often when we’re looking at a screen.
- Follow the 20/20/20 rule - every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least
20 seconds. - Also, place your screen so it’s about 25 inches away & slightly below eye level.
Cut glare by moving light sources or using a screen filter.
Always Wear Sunglasses
- UV radiation can hurt your eyes just like it does your skin.
- Effects add up & can cause problems like cataracts, cornea burns & even cancer of
the eyelid. - Whenever you’re outside, even on cloudy days, wear sunglasses or contacts that block
99% to 100% of UV-A & UV-B rays. - Protective lenses don’t have to be expensive, just check the label.
- Hats block exposure, too.
- Snow, water, sand & concrete all can reflect UV rays.
Use Safety Glasses at Work and Play
- Nearly half of all eye injuries happen at home, not on a job site.
- Use safety glasses whenever a project might send debris flying or splash hazardous
chemicals. - Protective eyewear may prevent 90% of sports-related eye injuries.
- Lenses should be made of polycarbonate plastic, which is 10 times more impact resistant
than other materials. - Some sports with the most injuries are baseball, softball, racket sports, lacrosse & basketball.
Eat for Your Heart and Your Eyes
- Foods that help circulation are good for your heart, eyes & vision.
- Choose heart-healthy foods like citrus fruits, dark leafy greens & whole grains.
- Foods rich in zinc, beans, peas, peanuts, lean red meat & poultry can help eyes resist
light damage. - Carrots do help eyesight, the Vitamin A in them is important for good vision.
- Other nutrients that help eyes include beta-carotene (found in many yellow or orange
fruits & veggies) & lutein and zeaxanthin (found in leafy greens & colorful produce).
Don’t Ignore Eye Problems
-
If your eyes are itchy or red, soothe them with cold compresses, antihistamines
or eye drops. - If you feel grittiness, like there’s sand in your eye, rinse with clean water or saline.
- See a doctor if symptoms continue, or if you have eye pain, secretions, swelling, or
sensitivity to light. - Other reasons to see a doctor are dark floating spots, flashes of light, or any time you
can't see normally.
Clean Your Contact Lenses
- Take care of your eyes by taking care of your contacts.
- Always wash your hands before handling lenses.
- Use only cleaners & drops approved by your eye doctor.
- Clean, rinse & dry the case each time you remove the lenses & replace it every two
to 3 months. - Don’t wear lenses when you're swimming or using cleaning products like bleach.
- Don’t leave daily wear lenses in while you sleep, even for a nap.
- Don’t wear lenses longer than recommended.
Know Your Health History
- Many seemingly unrelated health conditions can affect your eyes.
- High blood pressure & diabetes can reduce blood flow to the eyes.
- Immune system disorders in the lungs, thyroid glands or elsewhere can inflame eyes, too.
- Other threats include multiple sclerosis, aneurysms & cancer.
- Tell your eye doctor about any current or past health issues, including family members
with eye problems or serious illnesses.
Read Drug Labels
- Many types of drugs, or combinations of drugs, can affect your vision.
- Be on the lookout for possible side effects from various medications used to treat
different conditions. - Tell your doctor if you notice issues like dry or watery eyes, double vision, light sensitivity,
puffy or droopy eyelids & blurred vision.
Throw Away Old Eye Makeup
- Bacteria grow easily in liquid or creamy eye makeup.
- Throw out products after 3 months.
- If you develop an infection, immediately get rid of all your eye makeup & see a doctor.
- If you tend to have allergic reactions, try only one new product at a time.
- Never share cosmetics & don't use store samples.
- Clean your face thoroughly before & after using makeup & don’t apply cosmetics
inside lash lines.
Get Regular Eye Exams
- You should get your eyes checked regularly, even if you don't wear glasses.
- Ask your doctor how often.
- It will be at least every other year from ages 18-60.
- Every year if you're older, wear contact lenses, or have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.
Stop Smoking
- If you smoke, STOP.
- Smoking means a dramatic increase in incidence of macular degeneration as well as raising your risk of developing cataracts & aggravating uncomfortable dry eyes.
- It also builds up plaque in your bloodstream & weakens arteries.
- This not only raises your risk of a heart attack, but it can damage the retina & cause
vision loss - The good news is that after you quit, your risk of eye disease is about the same as
for non-smokers.
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Foods That Are Good For Your Eyes | Health Directory
Maintain Good Eye Health | Risks & Symptoms For Macular Degeneration
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