Our eyes are super important, and protecting them from the sun, dirt, and harmful substances is a big deal. When we’re outside working or playing, there are some simple steps we can take to keep our eyes safe:
EAT HEALTHIER
It’s no secret that a balanced diet is good for you. But did you know that eating more veggies and antioxidant-rich drinks (like Green Tea) can help reduce the risk of eye problems like cataracts? People in their late 30s and older should definitely pay attention to this, and the young ones can start early to reap the benefits.
CHECK YOUR FAMILY TREE
Do you have relatives with high blood pressure or diabetes? If yes, you should get those checked out by a doctor. When left untreated, these health issues can eventually cause problems for your eyes.
READ IN A WELL-LIT AREA
Whether you’re reading a book or scrolling through a Kindle, make sure there’s enough light. Reading in dim lighting for a long time can permanently damage your eyes, leading to stuff like nearsightedness. If you’re reading on a tablet or e-reader, don’t forget to adjust the screen’s brightness.
WATCH THE SCREENS
In today’s world, we can’t escape screens. But keep in mind, the radiation from computers and TVs isn’t great for our eyes. Try to sit about 16 to 30 inches away from the screen, and consider using anti-glare glasses to protect your eyes from the harsh light.
PROTECT FROM SUNLIGHT
We all know that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is a no-no. It comes in three types: UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A. Researchers found that UV-B can cause serious eye damage, even leading to cataracts or eye cancer. Make sure to wear sunglasses and a hat for protection when you’re out in the sun.
WEAR GOGGLES IN THE POOL
Too much chlorine in the pool can make your eyes red and potentially cause serious damage over time. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to wear goggles, or just keep your eyes closed while swimming.
DITCH THE EYE RUBBING
Rubbing your eyes can tear the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, and dirty hands can cause infections. If something gets in your eye, rinse it out with water, don’t rub it.
CHECK MAKE-UP EXPIRATION DATES
Makeup doesn’t last forever – eye makeup like mascara and gel liner should be tossed after about three months. Eye shadows and pencil liners can last a bit longer, from a year to two years, if you store them properly.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Getting seven to nine hours of sleep not only gives you a glow, but it also helps protect your eyes. If you’ve been staring at a screen all day, your eyes need that rest too.
GET REGULAR CHECK-UPS
Just like you get a physical check-up every year, you should also get your eyes checked at least once a year (or every six months if you work with computers a lot).
Our eyes are like the windows of our soul, and we’ve got to keep our windows clear and in good condition. There’s nothing better than being able to see everything around us in perfect detail!
