The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your eyes over time, increasing your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses with wraparound lenses to protect your eyes from all angles.
Get Regular Eye Exams: Catching Problems Early
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health. See your eye doctor at least once a year, or more often if you have any risk factors for eye disease. Your eye doctor can detect early signs of problems and recommend appropriate treatment.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Fueling Your Eye Health
A healthy diet can help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose foods rich in vitamins C, E, and A, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that protect your eyes from damage.
Quit Smoking: Protecting Your Eye Health
Smoking is a major risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye conditions. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your eye health.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Protecting Your Eye Health
Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can increase your risk for eye disease. Work with your doctor to manage these conditions and protect your eye health.
Wear Protective Eyewear: Safeguarding Your Eyes
Wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that could injure your eyes, such as playing sports, using power tools, or working with chemicals. Choose safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Get Enough Sleep: Resting Your Eyes
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good eye health. When you’re sleep-deprived, your eyes can feel tired and strained. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: Reducing Eye Strain
To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen or other close-up work and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Use Artificial Tears: Relieving Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, certain medications, and environmental conditions. Use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes and relieve dryness.
Limit Screen Time: Giving Your Eyes a Break
Spending too much time looking at screens can strain your eyes and increase your risk for eye fatigue, headaches, and dry eyes. Take breaks from screens every 20 minutes and limit your screen time in the evening.
Wash Your Hands Regularly: Preventing Eye Infections
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent eye infections. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.
Be Aware of Eye Allergies: Managing Symptoms
Eye allergies can cause itching, redness, and watering. If you have eye allergies, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your symptoms.
By Suzana 