Tips for Eye Health and Keeping Good Eyesight

Your eyes are irreplaceable. Eyes are your window to the world. However, eyes are fragile and you need to care for them carefully. There are many reasons why your eyesight may deteriorate, such as age, pollution, stress, unhealthy diet, etc. Although you cannot stop eye aging, you can slow it down. Many other problems can be avoided if you take some action. Don't take your eyes for granted. Take these easy steps to keep your peepers healthy. Here are some tips for eye health:

1. Use Safety Goggles. If you come into contact with hazardous airborne materials at work or at home, wear safety glasses or goggles. Sports like ice hockey, racquetball and lacrosse can also cause eye injuries. Wear eyes protection. A helmet with a protective face mask or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses will protect your eyes.

2. Wear Sunglasses. Good sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Select sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help to protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare when you drive, but don't always provide additional protection. If you wear contact lenses, some lenses offer UV protection. It's best to wear sunglasses as an extra layer.

3. Stop Smoking. Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration, among many other medical problems. If you've tried to break the habit before, but then started it again, keep doing it. The more times you try to stop, the more likely you are to succeed. Ask your doctor for help.

4. Healthy Eating. Good eye health starts with the food you eat. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E can help prevent age-related vision problems such as: macular degeneration and cataracts. To get them, fill your plate with:

- Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish

- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards

- Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

- Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat sources of protein

- Oysters and pork

A balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight. This lowers your chances of obesity and related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of blindness.

5. Keep Your Eyes Away from the Computer Screen. Staring at a computer or cell phone screen for too long can cause: blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, difficulty focusing at a distance, neck, back and shoulder pain. To protect your eyes make sure your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is up to date and suitable for viewing a computer screen. If your eye strain persists, talk to your doctor about computer glasses. Move the screen so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. It allows you to look slightly down at the screen. Try avoiding glare from windows and lights. Use anti-glare displays if necessary. Choose a chair that is comfortable and supportive. Position your feet flat on the floor. If you have dry eyes, blink more often or try using artificial tears. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes. Look away 20 feet for 20 seconds. Get up at least every 2 hours and take a 15 minute break.

6. Eye Exercises. At regular intervals, put your eyes in a simple exercise. Stare at a distant object for 15 seconds, switch your gaze over to a nearby object, and continue staring at it for another 15 seconds. Repeat this cycle 4 - 5 times Make it a habit to do this consistently to protect your eyes against strain and discomfort.

7. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly. Everyone needs regular eye examinations. Eye exams help protect your vision and help you see better. Eye exams can also uncover diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to detect it early, when it's easier to treat.