Look after your eyes: 8 ways to keep a healthy eyesight
Why is it important to have a healthy eyesight?
Protecting our eyes is crucial because it ensures that they stay healthy and perform optimally. We rely heavily on our vision to navigate the world and be able to interpret what we see–so keeping our eyes in good shape should be a priority. Without adequate protection, our eyes are vulnerable to damage from both external and internal factors ranging from chemical damage to UV rays.
This is why wearing protective eyewear such as sunglasses outdoors and safety glasses when operating machinery or carrying out any labour-intensive projects is essential. Not only will these things help maintain better eye hygiene and reduce the risk of injury, but extended exposure to harmful elements can also lead to conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma which may become irreversible in some cases.
Furthermore, it’s important for those who work with computers for prolonged periods of time to take regular breaks to give their eyes a rest and reduce the strain they experience while focusing on digital screens. Taking these small steps now can go a long way towards protecting your eyes so that you can continue enjoying clear vision for many years ahead.
Eight tips you can follow for healthy eyesight
Get your eyes tested regularly
Unless your optician advises otherwise, you should have your eyes examined at least once every two years. An eye examination will be able to pick up any conditions even before you notice any changes, so it’s important to keep on top of your eye appointments.
Quit smoking
Research suggests that smoking can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by up to 50%. AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Speak to your GP about giving up smoking to protect your healthy eyesight.
Adopting a healthy diet
Our diets have a big role to play in keeping our healthy eyesight. Choose a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and includes leafy green veg. Those of us with poor diets are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can also negatively affect our eyesight.
Protecting your eyes from the sun
UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage your eyesight and lead to cataracts and AMD. Choose sunglasses with a UV filter that protects your eyesight during the summer. Only purchase sunglasses that carry the British Standard.
Keep hydrated
If you have ever dealt with dry eyes, you will know the discomfort this can bring. Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid having dry eyes (as well as having other positive effects on your body!)
Use optimal lighting
Spend as much time as possible in a room with windows letting in natural light, which will support your healthy eyesight. Position your screen to stop any glare and use LED bulbs over more traditional lighting for a softer light for your eyes.
Reduce your alcohol consumption
Alcohol, like smoking, can have a negative effect on our eyesight. It’s important to limit your alcohol consumption and protect your eyesight from any irreparable damage.
Take regular screen breaks
Many of us use a computer daily for work, and you will often find us on our phones during the evening. Spending long periods of time staring at the screen can lead to eye strain that will damage our eyesight. Ensure you have had a workstation assessment at your desk and you have been provided with training on computer safety.
How does our vision change as we get older?
As we age, our vision gradually diminishes in clarity and accuracy. Blurry vision and a reduced ability to make out individual details of objects are two of the most common changes experienced by many as they get older. This decrease in visual acuity is normal as we become older but can present a challenge in day-to-day life if not addressed properly. Additionally, people may have a diminished visual field – this affects the peripheral vision and can make it difficult to spot oncoming vehicles when driving or perceive information at the edges of their view.
Accurate distance judgement can also be affected; stairs and other obstacles may pose more danger than they used to when you were younger due to misjudging distances and depth. This effect worsens in low light conditions or with low contrast objects, where telling apart furniture or similar coloured features becomes increasingly difficult. In addition, age affects how quickly your eyes adjust to changing light levels; bright rooms after dark require more time for adaptation than when younger. Adapting these challenges through proper correction or protective eyewear will help retain visual sharpness during the ageing years.
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Keep a healthy eyesight with Opticall Eyecare
If you are looking for a local optician who can support you with your healthy eyesight, get in touch with Opticall Eyecare today. As a leading home-visiting optician supporting the Home Counties, we are passionate about supporting you in looking after your eyesight. Our qualified team of optometrists are available to visit you in your home to conduct eye tests and will support you with aftercare and glasses fitting (if required).
To book your next optician appointment, get in touch with Opticall Eyecare today!