Human beings are a highly visual species. We rely on our vision to an astonishing degree, yet we tend to take our eyes for granted. Everything from the food we put into our bodies to our sleeping habits has a continued effect on the health and efficacy of our eyes. Therefore, if you want to preserve your vision for as long as possible, it may be time to evaluate your daily choices. For example, here are just five things you can do if you want to take better care of your eyes.
Don’t Misuse Contacts
Although we all know that we aren’t supposed to wear our contacts while we sleep, we all occasionally mess up. A late-night movie or last-minute project has left all of us snoozing with our contacts in at least once. In most cases, this isn’t immediately serious, but it could be if you allow it to become a habit. Today the CDC estimates that a minimum of 40% of all contact lens wearers regularly use contacts in a way that could endanger their health. By taking them out at night, not using them past their expiration, and not wearing them while swimming or showering, you can do a lot to protect your eyes’ longevity. In short, improper use of contacts is perhaps the worst of the habits that are bad for your eyes.
Don’t Use Expired Products
Not sharing eye makeup is a no-brainer, but using expired products can be just as dangerous, and is a habit that’s bad for your eyes. Both liquid eyeliner and mascara should not be kept past their expiration date, usually 3-6 months after opening. Check the label to make sure. This rule applies to any product that goes near your eyes. Moisturizers and serums can do just as much harm if you use them after their expiration date. Any expired product has the potential to introduce dangerous bacteria, which could lead to serious infections.
Protect Your Eyes
Protective eyewear should always be worn if you work in a lab, workshop, or any other space where fumes or debris could reach your eyes. Sunglasses should also be considered protective eyewear, as UV rays can do serious damage to your eyesight over time. In both cases, opt for high-quality products built to protect your eyes from the front and sides. If you’re having trouble distinguishing a reputable product from others in a saturated market, please ask your local optometrist for their recommendations.
Focus on Overall Health
To ensure that your eyes have the best chance of remaining healthy and functional, keep an eye on your vitamin intake and hydration levels. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that we add more of certain foods to our diets. These include:
- Citrus
- Vegetable oils
- Nuts
- Greens
- Fish
Doing so may increase our levels of Vitamin C and E, zinc, lutein, and Omega 3s. These are the nutrients that will help to maintain our eyes over time.
Limit Screen Time
It’s difficult to limit screen time when work, socialization, and relaxation seem to revolve around digital screens. However, it is really important that you take time away from the screen to give your eyes a break. Even if you’re using blue light filters, the continuous focus will strain your eyes. To reduce the effects, try looking away from the screen every 20 minutes. Make a cup of coffee, take a bathroom break, do some filing, but don’t look at any screen for at least a minute.
When it comes to it, protecting your eye health is tied to your overall well-being, and it requires constant maintenance. Fortunately, your Orange County Eye Surgeon at Advanced Eye Medical can streamline the process for you by taking contacts and glasses entirely out of the equation with blade-free laser eye surgery.