It’s important to take care of your vision and eyes. They’re the windows to your soul and make up a large portion of your face. Keeping them healthy can help you look younger, happier, and more vibrant. Eye health is something that can often be overlooked. You might not even realize you’re doing anything wrong, and the consequences of ignoring your eyes can be serious.
1. Get enough sleep
According to Eye Specialist & Surgeons in Melbourne – NewVision Clinics, sleep deprivation is a major risk factor for cataract development. In fact, it’s so bad that we don’t even know how many Americans are sleeping less than seven hours per night. Sleep deprivation can cause your body to produce more cortisol and adrenaline, which causes inflammation and increases the risk of vascular damage. It also increases production of enzymes that break down proteins in the lens of your eyes, making them weaker and more vulnerable to cataracts.
Don’t wear contact lenses if they make your eyes itchy or bother you while wearing them. Contact lenses can be very uncomfortable and lead to redness, irritation and eye infections if they aren’t worn properly or for long periods of time. That’s why it’s important to only wear them when absolutely necessary and check in with your eye care professional at least monthly or as needed.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese is a well-known risk factor for cataract development. The reason why being overweight is such a problem is because when you gain weight around your waistline, it puts pressure on your abdominal organs, which can lead to inflammation and increased blood pressure levels in this area. This inflammation can increase the risk of developing cataracts by damaging the delicate tissue inside your eyes (the vitreous humor).Make sure you get enough sleep. According to WebMD, people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have vision problems. In fact, if you’re not getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, it’s recommended that you talk with a doctor about getting some extra shut-eye.
3. Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is one of the most basic ways to protect your eyes from UV damage — and it’s also the most obvious way to improve your vision. Sunglasses block harmful rays that can harm the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. The cornea is what allows light to enter through the pupil and focus on an image in front of you, but too much UV can cause it to wear out faster than normal. Wearing sunglasses every day will keep this from happening, so don’t forget about them!
4. Keep your eyes clean
Your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body, so it’s important to keep them clean. If you want to keep your eyes healthy, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water to remove any dirt or debris from around your eyes. You can also use an eye makeup remover to remove any makeup that may be caked on during the day.
5. Eye protection
If you work in a factory or environment where there are substances or equipment that could harm your eyes, make sure that you wear proper safety equipment such as safety glasses or goggles that have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It’s also important to make sure that these items fit snugly around your face and provide adequate protection from chemicals and other harmful substances encountered while on the job site.
6. Get Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are crucial to keeping your eyes healthy, especially if you have a family history of eye diseases such as retinal disease or macular degeneration. These conditions can lead to blindness or irreversible vision loss if not detected early enough.
7. Avoid Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other eye conditions in both men and women over 40 years old according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).