Your eyesight can be something that is taken for granted until the moment that it starts to go bad. If you never want to reach this point, there are some steps you can take now and throughout the rest of your life to try and give your eyes a fighting chance. Here are 4 tips to keep in mind if you want to protect your eyesight for the long term.
Stop Smoking
It's pretty well established by now that smoking has numerous negative side effects associated with it. But it bears repeating that smoking is especially bad for your eyes. The constant exposure to smoke and various chemicals can eventually lead to eye damage in your optic nerve or lead to the development of cataracts. Also consider that even second hand smoke can irritate the eyes of those around you, so by quitting smoking, you'll be helping all of your loved ones with their own eye health as well.
Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection
Most people know to put on sun tan lotion when they go to the pool or the beach because they need protection from the sun's UV rays. But did you know that those same rays can harm your eyes just as well as they can your skin? Invest in a pair of decent sunglasses with decent UV protection. Don't just wear the glasses when you are driving, wear them anytime you intend to spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the sun.
Receive Regular Eye Care from a Professional
The number one way to stop your eye sight from degrading further is simply to make sure you receive a regular appointment with an eye care professional. The sooner you correct your current vision, the less future strain you will put on your eyes. Failing to get a regular check up and continuing to use an old prescription can make your eyes work harder than they should have to. Keep your prescription updated every year for optimal results.
Turn Off the Screen
Just about everyone today spends a good amount of time staring at a screen on a regular basis, whether's it's a computer screen, a cell phone or the TV. Continuously starting at a brightly lit screen can cause eye strain, headaches and dry out your eyes. Get into the habit of closing your eyes every once in a while and looking away from the screen to let your eyes rest for a bit before going back to work.
If you want to preserve your eyesight for the long term, regular eye care from a professional is a must. In the meantime, limit how long you stare at bright screens, invest in a good pair of UV sunglasses and take steps to limit your exposure to cigarette and cigar smoke if you want to maintain your current vision level.
For more information, talk to a professional like West Bay Eye.
Share25 April 2017
I was always very healthy throughout my childhood, but when I became a teenager, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness. Thankfully, I had the support of my loving family to help keep me upbeat during a time that could have led to me experiencing the depression that some do after they first learn they will have an illness for life. I am very grateful for the advice I have gotten throughout my life, so I decided to create a blog where I can share all of the advice that has helped me live a happy, healthy life, despite having a chronic illness. Since I am on a medication that suppresses my immune system, I have also studied up on many other illnesses and tips for avoiding them and treating them. I plan to post health tips for people of a variety of ages and suffering with various illnesses!