As many of those over 40 know, eyesight seems to get worse every year thereafter, resulting in a hearty sprinkling of reading glasses around the house. When you think about it, we rarely think about our ocular health unless our eyes are giving us problems.
The eyes can be affected by a number of conditions from allergies and infection to inflammation and, in more serious cases, a variety of eye diseases. Many of these diseases do not include symptoms in their initial stages, but they typically can be detected early on with regular check-ups. Some eye issues can also indicate other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Here are some tips to keep your vision in tip-top shape...
Schedule Annual Eye Exams:
Most eye doctors agree that an annual comprehensive exam, including a dilation procedure, is essential for staying on top of eye health and revealing early signs of other eye or health issues.
Take Screen Breaks:
In digital eye fatigue is a concern, and The American Optometric Association recommends using the 20-20-20 rule to keep vision fatigue to a minimum. This means taking a break from digital devices every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away for approximately 20 seconds.
Maintain Overall Health:
By maintaining your overall physical health, you can positively contribute to the health of your eyes. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, staying well hydrated, and getting adequate sleep.
Use Eye Protection:
Always wear appropriate safety gear to protect your eyes in the workplace and in the home workshop. In addition, use protection when participating recreational activities that could result in eye injuries, and wear quality sunglasses that block out both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Stay Clean with Contacts:
Practice common sense hygiene, especially with contact lenses, in order to prevent eye infections that can become quite serious. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling contacts or touching your eyes; clean your contacts and their case regularly; and store contact lenses properly, following the manufacturer's and your eye doctor's instructions.
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