Your eyes are a precious commodity that you need to protect as best as possible. There are many ways you can do this through a combination of lifestyle changes and regular eye exams. Here are seven tips to help keep your eyes healthy:.

1. Wear Sunglasses

The sun can cause serious damage to your eyes over time, especially when you spend long periods of time outdoors. This is why it’s important to wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection to prevent damage to your eyes.

Look for sunglasses marked with 100% UV protection for the best results.

2. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can cause serious damage to your eyes. It can increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, and other eye-related conditions.

If you’re a smoker, quitting can help protect your eyes and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Your diet can impact your eye health, so it’s important to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Specifically, foods high in vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene are particularly beneficial for your eyes.

These include leafy green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, almonds, and oily fish like salmon and tuna.

4. Take Breaks when Using a Computer or Device

Whether you’re working on a computer or scrolling through your phone, staring at a screen for too long can cause eye strain and fatigue. To avoid this, make sure you take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

The rule of thumb is to look away from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

5. Get Regular Eye Exams

Even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts, getting regular eye exams is important for maintaining good eye health.

Eye exams can help detect early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration before they become more serious. Make sure to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist at least once a year.

6. Take Breaks in Bright or Dim Lighting

Bright or dim lighting can strain your eyes, causing them to work harder to focus and see. If you’re working in a bright environment, take breaks in a dimly lit area, and vice versa if you’re working in a dim environment.

7. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

Eye hydration is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Your tears provide important nutrients and oxygen to your eyes, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Make sure to drink plenty of water and use eye drops if you’re experiencing dryness.

Conclusion

By following these seven tips, you can help protect your eyes from damage and keep them healthy for years to come.

Remember to wear sunglasses when outdoors, avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet, take regular breaks when using screens, get regular eye exams, adjust your lighting when necessary, and keep your eyes hydrated.