Did you realize that most of what you learn and remember comes through your eyes? This means that taking good care of your eyes could actually improve 80% of your learning and memories. Plus, did you know that most eye problems, even in kids, can be prevented or even fixed?
Eyes are pretty special things. They’re like a pair of built-in cameras helping you see and understand the world around you. If someone loses their sight, it might be because their eye muscles stopped working, or in extreme cases, their brain has stopped processing visual information.
Eyes aren’t just important for seeing things, they also help you express emotions and can even hint at your health. Do you know that sometimes, you can tell if a person is sick just by looking into their eyes?
Healthy eyesight is important for a good lifestyle, especially as we get older. But just like everything, eye health can get worse over time. So, let’s talk about how you can keep your eyes healthy and protect your vision.
Here are 7 habits to help keep your eyes in top shape:
1. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays: Wearing sunglasses isn’t just cool, it’s good for your eyes. They can prevent sunburn on your corneas which might lead to age-related issues. If you don’t like sunglasses, UV-protected eyeglasses or contact lenses are an option too. Even a hat could help.
2. Set up your monitor and lighting right: Your computer screen should be at arm’s length and slightly below eye level to prevent strain. Also, the lighting in your workspace should be gentle without any harsh glares.
3. Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break by looking at something 20 feet away.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking is bad, period. It’s terrible for your eyes too. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of getting eye problems like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
5. Keep your hands and contact lenses clean: Don’t touch your eyes or contacts with dirty hands and always clean your lenses as instructed. Replace your contacts when needed, too.
6. Regular eye check-ups: A detailed eye exam might discover potential eye problems before they get worse. Don’t skip this, even if your eyes seem fine.
7. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and sleep enough: Your diet should include vitamins and nutrients beneficial for your eyes. Staying hydrated helps avoid dry eyes and getting a good night’s sleep gives your eyes a much-needed rest.
To sum it up, simple lifestyle changes like eating healthy, quitting smoking, keeping clean, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can do wonders for your eye health. Wearing sunglasses, setting up your workspace correctly, and regular eye exams can also maintain your vision. None of these steps can guarantee you’ll never have an eye problem, but they can lessen its likelihood. And always remember to consult regularly with your eye doctor for a check-up.
