How to improve and maintain eye health The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that eye problems can affect people’s quality of life, and increase the risk of depression and other health issues over time. As a result, it is important to take care of your eye health and make sure you practice daily habits that reduce your risk of future problems, according to the CDC. Here are some simple, daily habits that you can follow to decrease eye health risks and minimize the chance of vision loss. Wear sunglasses when you’re outside.
Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses, which can lower your risk of cataracts, sunburn, eye cancer and growths around the eye.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glasses with smoke or gray lenses are the most effective for blocking out UV light. Take screen breaks and book breaks.
Prolonged screen time can cause pain in the neck and shoulders, eye strain and other problems. Try using the 20-20-20 rule to prevent computer vision syndrome.
After 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain and tension while reading or working on the computer. The American Optometric Association also recommends the 20-20-20 rule for book breaks, in order to avoid nearsightedness. Get exercise.
Regular physical activity can lower your risk of developing glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, as it promotes healthy blood vessels, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The CDC suggests at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week and two days of strength training for muscle health. Don’t forget to practice eye exercises to relieve eye strain. Read more: Play with kids outdoors. Outdoor play can reduce the risk of nearsightedness, and improve overall health for children and adults. It’s a great way to stay active, and also promotes healthy eye development. Get enough exercise, even outdoors. Don’t smoke. Smoking can boost your risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Quitting smoking can help reduce health risks and improve your overall wellbeing. Eat healthy meals. Consuming foods rich in vitamins—such as A, C, and E—can promote cell growth and lower inflammation in eye tissue. Don’t rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can cause damage or infections, leads to reduced or blurry vision, headaches, inflammation, light sensitivity, and infections. Wash your hands. Wash your hands regularly to lower your risk of infections and prevent the spread of germs, especially when touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Don’t forget to remove your makeup. Gently remove your eye makeup to prevent blepharitis or swelling around the eyelids, and to protect your skin and eye health.
