Scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor every two years—and every year after the age of 61—is a simple and effective way to take a proactive approach to your ocular health. While your eye doctor can provide you with a checklist of important eye care tips to follow, there are a number of other lifestyle adjustments you can make in your regular day-to-day life to keep your eyes healthy. Here are three strategies worth adopting.
Eat an Eye-Friendly Diet
While your diet can play a major role in your physical health, it can also contribute to healthy eyes. You've already made an investment in your eyes by visiting the eye doctor, so it makes sense to continue to take care of them through your diet. Foods that are rich in minerals such as zinc and lutein and vitamins such as vitamins C and E can all positively impact your eye health. Such foods include leafy greens such as kale and spinach and fruits such as oranges and strawberries. The good news is that these foods are helpful to your health in several ways beyond just your eyes and are readily available, so you can easily make them a staple of your diet.
Be Careful on the Computer
Be vigilant about ensuring that your computer use doesn't strain your eyes unnecessarily, especially if your career involves plenty of time in front of the computer. The 20-20-20 rule, which dictates that you should look 20 feet away from your screen for 20 straight seconds every 20 minutes, can reduce the strain caused by the screen. Additionally, adjusting on-screen text sizes so you can read them easily, positioning your monitor so it's not picking up a glare from the window, and remembering to blink while you use the computer are all important.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
It's easy to rub your eyes when you're tired or have been starting at the computer or TV screen for too long, but this common practice can be detrimental. Your fingers and hands are often covered in bacteria, which will transfer to your eyes during the rubbing process. Eye infections aren't something you want to deal with. Additionally, the pressure you generate during this action can actually damage your eyes, contributing to an issue such as a scratched cornea. If you have to rub your eyes, do so extremely gently after you'e thoroughly washed your hands.
For further information about taking care of your eyes, contact an eye doctor from an establishment like the Atlantic Eye Consultant PC - Delianides Aris P MD.
