Some people take eye health for granted. But for others, having good vision is a major problem that can disrupt their daily lives. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 93 million adults in the United States, for example, are at high risk of vision loss. But according to what was published by CNET, the good news is that there are some basic strategies that can be followed now to keep the eyes in good condition, as practicing the following simple daily habits can help improve eye health and reduce the risk of problems in the future:

1. Wear sunglasses

Exposing the eyes to ultraviolet rays may cause damage over time. Wearing sunglasses can block harmful ultraviolet rays, reducing your risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, sunburn, eye cancer, and growths around the eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

2. Breaks from screens

Spending too much time in front of screens leads to dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, headaches and digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. The American Optometric Association recommends using the 20-20-20 rule to prevent computer vision syndrome, meaning that every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Breaks from reading

Spending too much time in front of screens is not the only cause of eye strain. When a person reads a book, they likely hold it close to them for long periods of time as well. Both activities can lead to myopia, which means distant objects are blurry while near objects are clear. Likewise, you should use the 20-20-20 rule to take breaks while reading books.

4. Physical activity

Regular exercise can provide eye health benefits, such as promoting healthy blood vessels and reducing the risk of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, plus two days of strength training for your muscles. Eye exercises can also be done to reduce stress and eye strain while sitting at a desk.

5. Going out into nature

Children and adults need to get outside often, even if a person is doing the recommended exercise indoors. Research shows that children who spend time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia as teens and adults. Parents playing with their children at the local playground, walking through the woods, or even playing in the garden at home can help the whole family stay healthy and active.

6. Refrain from smoking

It is known that smoking is harmful to health in general. It can also increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration. A smoker can be two to three times more likely to develop cataracts and up to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. Future research could determine whether cigarette smoking can also cause glaucoma, Graves' disease, thyroid eye disease, and promote the onset or progression of diabetic retinopathy.

7. Eat balanced meals

Diet can help improve eye health. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc can help with cell growth, reduce inflammation of eye tissue, and limit free radicals that can damage the eyes.

8. Avoid rubbing the eyes

If a person habitually rubs his eyes, this may cause eye damage or infection. Dry eyes and eye strain can prompt an urge to rub, and some may rub too much or too hard. This can lead to problems such as decreased or blurry vision, headaches, infections, and eye and light sensitivity. Another reason to avoid eye rubbing is that bacteria or viruses on the fingers or hands can lead to conjunctivitis, known as pink eye.

9. Hand washing

Always wash hands before touching the face or eyes and handling contact lenses. It is not possible to determine what type of germs are on the objects he touches after someone has inadvertently contaminated them. Regular hand washing can reduce the risk of respiratory diseases by up to 21% and diarrheal diseases by up to 40%.

10. Make-up removal

After a long day, some women may be lazy about removing their eye makeup before going to bed. Removing makeup benefits the health of the eyes and can reduce the risk of developing blepharitis, or blepharitis. Products intended for the eyes only should be chosen, taking into account the disposal of makeup tools after any eye infection. Experts advise against applying eye makeup to the inner eyelids, never sharing eye makeup tools with others, and committing to constantly washing and sterilizing the makeup brush or sponge.

Source News: Arabia - Published on 16-JANUARY-2024