6 Good Habits to Safeguard Your Eyes During Day and Night
Do you spend hours in front of the computer every day? Are your morning habits associated with screens? Or do you often stay up late into the night watching TV and scrolling through your phone? If so, you could be unknowingly putting yourself at risk for ocular diseases and conditions. Research links digital device usage to dry eyes, headaches, myopia (nearsightedness), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) oblique astigmatism, and cataracts.
But there’s a way to mitigate these risks: savvy maintenance habits mean taking preventive steps to safeguard your eyes both during day AND night activities. Here are 6 good habits to protect your vision health now—and prevent eye issues down the road!
Wear sunglasses when outside
When you think of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, you may automatically reach for sunscreen. However, what about your eyes? Did you know that the UV rays from the sun can also cause damage to your eyes over time?
This is where sunglasses come into play. Not only do they add a fashionable touch to your outfit, but they also provide much-needed protection for your eyes. So, the next time you head outside for a walk or to the beach, don’t forget to grab your trusty pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun.
Take regular breaks from staring at screens
From laptops to smartphones to televisions, it’s hard to escape the glow of these electronic devices. However, with this constant exposure comes an increased risk of eye strain, which can result in headaches, blurred vision, and even dry eyes. To combat these symptoms, it’s important to take regular breaks from staring at screens. This means stepping away from your computer every so often and giving your eyes a chance to rest.
Whether it’s taking a walk outside or simply closing your eyes for a few moments, a little bit of screen-free time can go a long way in reducing eye strain and keeping your eyes healthy. In addition, you should also consider purchasing blue light blocking night glasses if you work night shifts in front of a computer or simply enjoy watching your favorite TV show right before bed. These glasses block harmful blue light waves, which can cause eye fatigue and dryness.
Exercise regularly
Did you know that exercise can benefit not just our overall physical health but also our eyes? That’s right! It turns out that a regular workout regimen can help to keep our eyes healthy and possibly prevent eye disease.
Studies have shown that physical activity can improve blood flow to the eyes, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of developing conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. So if you want to keep those peepers in tip-top shape, make sure to add some exercise to your routine!
Eat a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health in general, and this is especially true when it comes to your eyes. Ensuring that you get enough vitamins and minerals will help to protect your eyesight and keep your eyes healthy as you age. The nutrients that are particularly important include vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals such as zinc and selenium.
A diet that is rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, and whole grains will naturally provide these essential nutrients. So the next time you’re sitting down to eat, take a moment to think about what you’re putting on your plate, and whether it will help to support your eye health in the long run.
Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume
Did you know that excessive caffeine intake may increase the chance of developing dry eyes? Even though caffeine is found in many of our favorite beverages, it is important to be mindful of how much we consume.
Consider cutting back on coffee, tea, and soda to help reduce your risk of experiencing dry eyes. Plus, reducing your caffeine intake may have a positive impact on your overall health and energy levels. So, next time you reach for that extra cup of joe, think twice about how it could affect your eye health.
Make sure you get enough sleep every night
For many of us, late nights are the norm, and prioritizing sleep can feel like a luxury we can’t afford. However, if there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that getting enough sleep is incredibly important for our overall health and well-being.
Not only does it help us feel more energized and focused throughout the day, but it also plays an important role in keeping our eyes healthy. Without the proper amount of rest, our eyes can become strained, dry, and even prone to infections. So, next time you feel tempted to stay up late binge-watching your favorite show or scrolling through social media, remember that prioritizing your sleep is one of the best things you can do for your eyes – and your overall health.
By taking care of our eyes we’re preserving one of the most important senses that we have – it’s a crucial asset, yet sadly often neglected. Our eyes witness so much beauty and joy that is for sure not to be taken for granted.
Remember to practice the 6 good habits outlined in this blog post – such as eating a balanced diet, taking regular breaks from staring at screens, exercising regularly, and reducing caffeine consumption – to safeguard your vision both during the day and at night. There’s nothing quite like being able to enjoy life with clear vision and enhanced depth perception!
