Vision loss is a prevalent concern affecting daily life, with an estimated 93 million adults in the US at high risk, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While restoring lost vision may not always be possible, adopting proactive measures can significantly protect and preserve your eyesight. Incorporate these 10 simple habits into your daily routine to ensure the well-being of your eyes for years to come.
- Wear sunglasses: Shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses, reducing the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, sunburn, and eye cancer.
- Take screen breaks: Combat digital eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to alleviate discomfort caused by prolonged screen time.
- Take book breaks, too: Apply the same 20-20-20 rule when reading books to prevent nearsightedness, ensuring a balance between close and distant focus.
- Move your body: Engage in regular exercise to promote healthy blood vessels, reducing the risk of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
- Get outside: Spend time outdoors to lower the risk of nearsightedness, especially for children, and ensure adequate exposure to natural light.
- Don’t smoke: Quit smoking to reduce the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
- Eat balanced meals: Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc to support eye health.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Resist the urge to rub your eyes to prevent potential damage, infections, and complications.
- Wash your hands: Maintain hand hygiene to reduce the risk of infections, especially for contact lens wearers.
- Take off your makeup: Remove eye makeup before bed to lower the risk of eyelid inflammation and practice good makeup hygiene.
Incorporating these habits into your daily life can contribute significantly to safeguarding your eye health and preventing potential issues.
