Healthy Eye Care Tips for Better Wellbeing: Insights from Eye Care Specialists

You use your eyes on a daily basis for every aspect of your life. They help you experience the world around you. However, many people take their eyes for granted and do not focus on much-needed eye self-care. Daily life can take a toll on your peepers whether you’re staring at a computer all day or soaking up the sunshine outdoors, your eyes work tirelessly. 

In this article, we’ll examine a few healthy eye care tips that are easy to follow and will keep your eyes in great shape. If you’ve been thinking about improving your eye health, these insights from the eye care specialists at Andover Family Optometry and Winfield Family Optometry will help. Remember, we’ve been caring for your family’s eyes since 1994! 

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Life can become busy, and if you aren’t experiencing any problems, then you might not even think about your eyes. However, one of the most important things you can do for your eyes is to get regular eye exams. 

Even if your vision seems fine, eye exams can detect underlying issues before they become more serious. Many eye problems don’t have obvious symptoms, so a professional check-up is crucial.

We recommend an eye exam every one to two years, depending on your age and risk factors. If it’s been a while since your last exam, schedule an appointment at either Andover Family Optometry or Winfield Family Optometry, today. It’s a simple step toward keeping your eyes healthy for the long haul.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

Whether it’s summer or winter, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful not only to your skin but also to your eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. That’s why it’s essential to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays whenever you’re outdoors.

If you wear prescription glasses, consider investing in a pair of prescription sunglasses or ask about lenses with built-in UV protection at your next eye exam. At either Andover Family Optometry or Winfield Family Optometry, we offer a range of stylish and protective eyewear options.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer, phone, or TV screen, your eyes might feel dry, strained, or tired by the end of the day. Focusing on a screen for long periods can lead to digital eye strain, a common problem in our tech-heavy world.

The good news is that the 20-20-20 rule can help bring much-needed eye strain relief. 

Here’s how the eye strain tip works: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a much-needed break and reduces strain.

Stay Hydrated

Believe it or not, staying hydrated is key to healthy eyes. When you’re dehydrated, your body struggles to produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist, leading to dry, irritated eyes.

Drinking plenty of water helps your eyes stay lubricated and comfortable throughout the day. Ideally, you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body and eyes well-hydrated.

Eat for Eye Health

Yes, what you eat can have a big impact on your eye health. Foods that contain an abundance of vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zinc are known to support eye health and protect against vision problems as you age.

Some eye-healthy foods to add to your diet include:

• Carrots
• Spinach
• Collards
• Kale
• Eggs
• Beets
• Oranges
• Salmon
• Tuna 
• Oysters
• Pork

A balanced diet can do wonders for your vision, so next time you’re meal planning, remember to think of your eyes!

Don’t Rub Your Eyes

It’s tempting to rub your eyes when they feel tired or itchy, but doing so can actually cause problems. Your hands carry bacteria and germs that can cause eye infections, and rubbing your eyes can also irritate or even damage the delicate tissues in your eye. Also, excessive pulling on the delicate skin around the eyes can lead to wrinkling. 

If your eyes are itchy, try using lubricating eye drops or a cold compress instead. And always wash your hands before touching your face, especially your eyes.

Say NO to Smoking

Did you know that smoking can increase your chances of developing cataracts and macular degeneration?  To improve your eye health, consider quitting. 

Blink Often

Most people don’t even think about blinking -it’s just a subconscious action. However, blinking regularly is important for keeping your eyes moist. When we focus on tasks like reading, working on the computer, or watching TV, we tend to blink less frequently, which can lead to dryness and irritation.

Make it a habit to blink more often, especially if you’re working on something for an extended period. Your eyes will feel much better for it.

Use Proper Lighting

The lighting in your environment plays a big role in eye comfort. When working or reading, make sure the room is well-lit to avoid straining your eyes. Position your light source so it’s not shining directly into your eyes or reflecting off your screen, as glare can cause discomfort.

If you work in front of a computer, consider using a screen filter to reduce glare and minimize strain. Small changes like lighting in your home or office can all impact your eye comfort and health. 

Take Care of Your Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, proper hygiene is essential to prevent infections and maintain eye health. Always wash your hands before handling your lenses, clean them as instructed, and never wear them for longer than recommended.

Contact wearers should also consider giving their eyes a break by switching to glasses for a few hours each day. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort with your lenses, reach out to our specialists at  Andover Family Optometry or Winfield Family Optometry, to discuss your options.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Like the rest of your body, your eyes need rest to function at their best. Lack of sleep can lead to eye strain, dryness, and even blurred vision.

Try to sleep at least  7-8 hours each night to give your eyes the rest they need.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try creating a bedtime routine that includes turning off screens at least an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure. 

Remember, rested eyes are healthier eyes!

Take the First Step to Protect Your Eyes Today

Your eyes are one of your most valuable assets, and caring for them doesn’t have to be complicated. 

By following these healthy eye care tips, you can keep your vision sharp and your eyes comfortable.

Ready to take the next step in eye care? Schedule an eye exam. Our eye care team is here whether you need a routine check-up, new glasses, or help with eye discomfort. 

Don’t wait—take care of your eyes today with our healthy eye care tips!