What You Can Do To Protect Your Eyes
There are several things you can do to protect your eyes and maintain good eye health. Here are some tips:
- Wear protective eyewear: If you work with tools, chemicals, or participate in sports or other activities that pose a risk of eye injury, wear protective eyewear such as safety glasses, goggles or a face shield.
- Take breaks from screen time: Staring at a computer, tablet, or smartphone screen for extended periods can cause eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. To reduce the risk of these issues, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help maintain eye health. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are particularly good for eye health.
- Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of several eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage.
- Wear sunglasses: UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes over time, so it's important to wear sunglasses that provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Take care of contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, make sure to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before handling them and properly storing and cleaning them.
- Visit your eye doctor regularly: Regular eye exams can help detect potential problems early and ensure that your eyes are healthy. Your eye doctor can also provide advice on how to maintain good eye health.