10 Ways to Give Your Eyes Some Love This Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is the time to express your love and appreciation to those you care about most. But it's also a great opportunity to take the time to pamper yourself — so why not start with your eyes?
10 Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Help Protect Your Eye Health and Vision
1. Be Mindful of the Food You Eat
Fill your plate with fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and whole grains. Studies show that foods high in vitamins A, C, E, Omega-3, lutein and zeaxanthin are especially beneficial for promoting eye health.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day will keep your body hydrated and your eyes moist — which is essential for preventing dry eye syndrome. Caffeinated drinks have a dehydrating effect, so try to limit your coffee consumption.
3. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is widely known for its physical and mental health benefits, but studies show that it can also lower your risk of serious eye conditions and diseases. Cardio exercise in particular has been shown to lower eye pressure and improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve.
4. Don't Smoke
If you've been thinking about quitting, there's no better time than now. Smoking tobacco significantly raises your risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
5. Practice Good Makeup Hygiene
Clean your brushes and applicators regularly, toss any expired products, only apply makeup to the outer margin of your eyelids, remove your makeup before going to bed, and never share makeup or use in-store testers.
6. Wear Sunglasses
Studies show that prolonged UV exposure can damage the eyes and lead to sight-threatening eye conditions. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection any time you venture outdoors.
7. Prevent Eye Injuries
About 90% of vision loss from eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the right eye protection. Protective eyewear like sports goggles or glasses with polycarbonate lenses are designed with sturdy materials that are less likely to break or shatter.
8. Learn First Aid for Eye Injuries
Knowing what to do in case of an unexpected eye injury can potentially save you or someone you love from permanent eye damage or vision loss. Note: Any type of eye injury should be taken seriously, and promptly examined by an eye doctor.
9. Avoid Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, dry eyes, blurry vision and headaches. Avoid symptoms by practicing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus on an image at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
10. Visit Your Eye Doctor
Regular eye exams are crucial when it comes to maintaining your eye health. With an eye exam, your eye doctor can identify early signs of sight-threatening eye diseases and conditions, enabling earlier treatment and increasing your chances for optimal results.
From all of us at Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna, we wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!
Q&A
What's the difference between an eye exam and vision screening? Vision screenings are basic tests of visual acuity and can't identify many vision conditions or detect ocular health problems. A comprehensive eye exam includes tests for visual acuity and functional vision, as well as close examination of the inner and outer structures of the eye.
How often do I need to have an eye exam? The American Optometric Association recommends having your eyes examined every one to two years, depending on your age, whether or not you wear glasses or contacts, your family history of eye disease, and your ocular health to date.