Good eyesight is something we all take for granted, until it is threatened. Only then do we consider how vital our eyesight is to our mobility, entertainment, practical tasks and quality of life. Our eyesight does gradually deteriorate as we get older, but here are a few tips to make sure you give them the best care possible. Your eyes will thank you for it!
Short-term Tonics
Tired, strained eyes, like the rest of our bodies may benefit from a little TLC. If your eyes feel tired and strained at the end of the day, then try to rest them. If you read or look at the computer screen for long periods of time, then give yourself a break for 5 minutes or so, every half-hour. You may have to set a timer to remind you to do so, as hours can quickly pass when you are absorbed in something. Your body appreciates and responds to a massage, and so will your tired eyes. Close your eyes, cover them with a warm soft towel and give them a gentle massage at the end of day.
Supplements
Some vitamins may help support healthy eyes such as Vitamin A, lutein and antioxidants. There are also special vitamin formulas for eyes, but you should consult your doctor before starting a course of vitamins or natural supplements.
Eye Examinations
You should have a thorough eye examination by a professional eye doctor at least once every two years. If you suspect your eyesight may be changing, go sooner - you do not have to wait. Symptoms such as loss of vision, blurred images, light flashes, eye pain, redness, itching, swelling and irritation around the eye should all be checked out by an eye doctor. You may have an easily treatable eye infection, or you may have the first signs of something more serious such as cataracts or glaucoma. Catching any problem, whether trivial or serious, is always best early on. Waiting could cost you your vision, permanently.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Constant exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage your eyes irreversibly, and it is so easily avoided. Treat yourself to at least one pair of good sunglasses and wear them whenever you go out in the sun. Keep a second pair in the car, for when you forget! Too much exposure to the sun can cause pigmentation in the eye known as brown or sunshine cataracts. Some more serious eye diseases such as macular degeneration have also been linked to UV exposure.
Protect Your Eyes from Injury
Wearing safety goggles when doing DIY or working with hazardous materials is a simple preventative measure to avoid damaging your eyesight should anything go wrong. Wear protective goggles while playing sport to avoid the unnecessary risk of an eye injury which may result in impaired vision or complete loss of sight.
Replace Your Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses you should be aware that all types of contact lenses carry a renew-by date, and many contact lens wearers ignore the recommended guidelines. Daily disposable lenses are what they say they are - daily disposable. Silicone hydrogel lenses should be replaced every two weeks. Overall, 40% of wearers kept their lenses beyond the maker's recommended guidelines either because they forgot to mark the replacement date on their calendar, or simply to save money.
