How to Take Care of Your Eyes Daily
The definition of eye care is simple: taking reasonable steps to protect your eyes against damage. This may include wearing the right eyewear and having a regular eye exam with an Independent Doctor of Optometry (or optometrist). But the steps on how to take care of your eyes daily don’t stop there.
Let’s take a look at some other steps of eye care that can give you an upper hand in your eye health.
How to Take Care of Your Eyes Daily
One of the most important steps of eye care is meeting with an eye doctor who can review your eyes for signs of damage. However, caring for your eyes starts at home.
Here’s how to take care of your eyes daily:
Tip #1: Eat more fruits and vegetables.
As antioxidants may benefit your eye health, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA), it’s essential to eat them every day. Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which may help your eyes fight back against eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Here are some top fruits and vegetables for your eye health:
- Broccoli
- Grapefruits
- Green peppers
- Kale
- Oranges
- Papayas
- Spinach
- Strawberries
The vitamin C content and other nutrients found in produce, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, can support your eyes. The key is to consume them as a part of a regular, balanced diet.
Tip #2: Remove your makeup every night.
Just as you should take your eyewear off every night, you should do the same for your makeup--especially eye makeup. One study shows how easy it is for your eyeliner to enter your tear film. It can happen in less than 10 minutes, and you may get up to 30 percent more eyeliner in your tear film if you put it on your inner lash line.
The remnants of your eyeliner in your tear film may not last long, but it’s still necessary to remove your makeup regularly to ensure more makeup doesn’t build up within your eyes. In addition to affecting your tear film, it can lead to an infection.
Look for a makeup remover that’s free from these ingredients for the safest application:
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Oil
- Parabens
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
Tip #3: Use the 20-20-20 rule for electronics.
Computer vision syndrome can affect both adults and children. This condition happens when you spend too much time using digital devices without taking a break. The more you use your electronics, the greater your symptoms can become, according to the AOA.
Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Blurry vision
- Dryness in the eyes
- Headaches
- Strained eyes
What can you do to avoid the symptoms of digital eye strain? Implement the 20-20-20 rule, or look away from the screen at an object 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Don’t forget to teach your little ones the importance of following this rule. With enough practice, it may soon become a habit that can protect their eyes (and yours).
Summary: The Best Steps of Eye Care
Why is it important to take care of your eyes? Your eyes are the gateway to your health, meaning they can reveal many issues from within the body, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You also use your eyes every day, making it essential to maintain healthy eye care habits.
Interested in learning how to take care of your eyes daily? Here are three suggestions:
- Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Take off your makeup each night.
- Prioritize 20-second breaks away from the screen every 20 minutes.
With these simple techniques, you can promote your overall eye health. In turn, this can benefit your eyesight.
Book your eye exam at For Eyes
Have you had your annual comprehensive eye exam? Schedule an appointment with an Independent Doctor of Optometry at your local For Eyes.
