A lot of eye and vision problems can be prevented if you form healthy eye care habits. There are little things you do every day to limit the risk of eye troubles and maintain healthy vision.
If you already have vision trouble, these practices may help it from worsening. Here are the best things you can do every day to keep vision sharp and promote eye health.
- Limit Eye Rubbing: Hands and fingers are exposed to a lot of dirt, dust, and bacteria, which can easily be transferred to the eyes when you touch them. If you have a pre-existing condition, rubbing your eyes can make it worse.
Glaucoma can be aggravated by rubbing, potentially disrupting blood flow to the eye that may lead to nerve damage or vision loss. - Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Skimping out on cheap supermarket sunglasses can cost you big time in the long run. Exposure to UV rays increases chances for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss.
These harmful rays can also burn your cornea. Wearing UV-protectant sunglasses and eyeglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Hats and visors can help too. - Eat a Balanced Diet: Leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables (particularly orange, red, and green), and whole grains can all help promote healthy vision and eyes. Staying well-hydrated helps too.
- Adequate Lighting/Distance from Monitors: Keep computer monitors/tablets at roughly arm’s length to prevent eye-straining. Place roughly 20 degrees below eye level or at eye level.
Avoid using bright lights that create glare or placing screens in areas that allow for reflection. - Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: The 20-20-20 rule is great for preventing dry eyes and eye strain. The simple rule is to look away from your screen every 20 minutes at something about 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. Blink 20 times as well.
- Get Activity: The more active you are, the healthier your eyes are. Activity helps lower the risk for type-2 diabetes and heart disease, two conditions with a heavy influence on vision.
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Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
