You brush your hair, you clean your teeth, you moisturise your skin, but do you think about looking after your eyes each day? Our sight is such a precious sense, but it is one that most people take almost entirely for granted. Modern urban life is particularly punishing for our eyes. Too much time spent looking at screens means that for many, their eyes are often tired and sore, and the dust and dirt of a city pose a further threat to our eyesight. Don’t wait until there’s a problem, take care of your eyes and build eye care into your daily routine.
Keep your hands clean
Keeping your hands clean is important for maintaining good general health, but it is also particularly important for maintaining the good health of your eyes. A study by Michigan State University found that only 5% of people wash their hands correctly. Dipping those pinkies in water is simply not good enough, they need a proper scrub for at least twenty seconds. Most of us are guilty, at some time or another, of absentmindedly rubbing our eyes but it is something that all of us should try to avoid. Rubbing your eyes, even with hands which appear to be clean, can cause eye related problems such as conjunctivitis.
Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses provide protection from harmful UV rays which can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal sunburn and skin cancer around the eyelids. UV rays are not just a summer hazard, they can reflect off surfaces such as snow, water, sand and concrete. If you wear prescription glasses, you should give your eyes the added protection of prescription sunglasses. Don’t worry, there are plenty of fashionable options available.
Visit your optometrist regularly
You really can’t have your eyes checked too often, regardless of eye exam cost. The onset of glaucoma has no obvious symptoms and by the time that you do become aware that there is a problem, you may have sustained permanent eye damage. Early detection of eye pressure, which is an indicator of the disease, is only possible with a professional eye examination. Your optometrist can also give you early warning of diabetes, high cholesterol and even cancer.
Wear goggles in the swimming pool
Chlorine is a sanitising agent added to the water of swimming pools to reduce the spread of disease and water borne bacteria. Unfortunately, chlorine strips away the film that protects your cornea which actually makes your eyes more vulnerable to any dirt or bacteria that may be in the pool. Conjunctivitis, red, irritated eyes and even blurry vision can all be contracted by swimming in a chlorinated pool. Protect your eyes when swimming, by always wearing water tight goggles with a strong seal.
Keep hydrated
It is recommended that you drink eight glasses of water a day in order to maintain your health. Drinking water helps keep your skin hydrated, aids brain function and is crucial to maintaining the natural lipid layer on the surface of your eyes.
