Your eye muscles work way more than you probably think– about 100,000 times per day. They work very hard looking at the world around you, so you want to make sure you treat them with care and concern. Even if you are starting to have problems with your eyes, you can still follow a few steps that will protect your vision and stop it from getting worse. Here are some lifestyle changes to make to help get the most out of your eyes over time.
Always Get Enough Sleep
If you are not getting enough sleep at night, you run the risk of dry eyes. Dry eyes can then lead to itchiness, pain, and blurred vision.
Take a Much-Needed Break
It’s true– as a society, we depend on our cell phones and other electronic devices more and more. While technology can do great things, it can take a toll on your vision over the course of a lifetime. If you work on a computer, you could spend up to eight or more hours a day simply looking at a screen. If you get home and turn on the TV or play video games, you’re adding more hours to the amount of time you strain your eyes focusing on a screen.
Taking regular breaks to look at something away from your screen for a few minutes at a time can help to give your eyes a rest. You can even couple this with standing and walking around to make sure you’re staying healthy overall!
Reduce the Brightness of Your Screen
Most of our electronic devices default to the brightest screen there is. Staring at this screen for hours a day will cause unnecessary strain on your eyes. It can also lead to regular headaches. Be sure to turn down the brightness on your screen (although, not so low that you strain to see it!). You should also be looking slightly down at your screen if you work on a computer or laptop. This cuts down the glare on your eyes. Also, consider using a blue light filter on your phone during the evening to help reduce strain while it’s darker outside.
Don’t Check Your Phone in the Dark
It’s easy to want to check Facebook “one last time” as you are lying in bed in the dark. However, doing so actually strains your eyes even more due to the glare coming from your phone or any other device. Once you put your phone down for the night, let it stay there. You’ll protect your eyes and enjoy a more peaceful sleep.
Enjoy Antioxidants
Certain nutrient-dense foods have been found to lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that can be found in dark green, leafy vegetables. Pick up some spinach or kale for better eyesight. Carrots will help, as well. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which is the precursor to Vitamin A. This vitamin can assist with eye function.
Invest in Good Sunglasses
Have you ever noticed that your eyes can feel gritty and tired when you are out in the hot sun? That’s because your eyes can easily feel the blazing heat. Make sure to invest in a good pair of sunglasses that block both UVB and UVA rays. You’ll protect your eyes from the glare of the sun, and it will not be as hard to see while you’re outside. If you spend a lot of time near water, consider polarized lenses to cut down on glare that reflects off water and can cause damage.
Schedule a Consultation
Campus Eye Group & Laser Center is a leader when it comes to eye care and LASIK surgery. We have been helping patients take care of their eyes for over 35 years, and we continue to grow as our reputation for experience and quality care precedes us. Contact us by calling or filling out our online form to schedule a consultation with our expert ophthalmologists.
