FOCUS ON EYE HEALTH

Getting plenty of rest is beneficial to our general health, but the benefit to our eyes tops the charts. Throughout the day our eyes take stress from so many sources, among others, the sun, digital screens, allergies and dry air. They are constantly changing focus as they take in information from the world around us. Allowing them good quality rest for significant amounts of time helps to rehydrate and relax them, relieving some of the stress and preparing them for the day ahead.

Foods rich in Vitamins A, E and C, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids can help ward off age-related vision problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. A healthy diet decreases the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes which have an impact on eye health.

Wearing sunglasses, even in cloudy weather and in winter, will help protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, which have a cumulative effect on eye health. Make sure you choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body and eyes hydrated, reducing the symptoms of dry eyes.

Bacteria can easily find their way onto cosmetic and eye makeup products. Protect your eyes by updating your makeup every few months and keeping your products clean. Avoid sharing makeup with others.

If you are a smoker, there is no better time to quit than the present. Smoking exposes you to a higher risk of developing cataracts and other eye conditions and can contribute to macular degeneration. It is a risk factor in general health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, which often have a role to play in diseases of the eyes.

Whether you work in a dangerous environment or are simply mowing the lawn or doing home maintenance, use some form of protective wear for your eyes to prevent accidents.

Eye injuries can occur when playing certain sports. Speak to your optometrist about the appropriate eye protection for your specific sport.

Consistent regular exercise can help to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which can affect vision and eye health. Keeping your body healthy means keeping your eyes healthy.

Most people, regardless of age, spend prolonged hours staring at screens, leading to eye fatigue and strain. Give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. We blink less while concentrating as we work on computers or smartphones or even read a book, making our eyes feel dry and tired, so make a conscious effort to blink often.

Blue light is emitted from both the sun and digital screens. Being exposed to too much blue light can cause eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Discuss with your optometrist getting a pair of blue light blocking glasses or adding a blue light blocking tint to your lenses.

The weather can be harsh on the skin. Using a good moisturiser and taking care to nurture the delicate skin around your eyes is part of taking care of your eyes. In conjunction with using a moisturiser, wearing a sunscreen will also help to protect the skin around your eyes.

Tears are a natural moisturiser to your eyes, flushing them and keeping them lubricated. What better way to get tears flowing than from laughing?

Don't neglect your regular eye examinations. Changes to the health of your eyes can happen gradually and you may not have any obvious signs of disease. It is important to have your eyes checked by your optometrist on a regular basis so that problems can be picked up and treated early. Most vision problems are avoidable or can be treated, but early detection is the key.

Regularly visiting your optometrist is important, but don't rely solely on that. Be vigilant about your eyes and changes in your vision. Some red flags to look for include hazy vision, double vision, sudden loss of vision, eye pain and swelling, flashes of light or floaters that become more frequent. Children do not usually have the maturity or the ability to express that they are having difficulty with their eyes. Be aware of behavioural signs that may indicate vision problems in your children.

Some vision problems, such as glaucoma, can run in families. Knowing your family's health history and informing your optometrist can benefit you in preventative care or early detection and treatment of problems.

Rubbing the eyes stimulates the flow of tears, causing lubrication for dry eyes and removal of irritants. It can also stimulate the vagus nerve, which slows the heart rate and relieves stress. But it is not good for the eyes. Rubbing causes tiny blood vessels to break, resulting in blood-shot eyes and dark circles under the eyes. Germs on the hands can be transferred to the eyes and result in infections. If a foreign body is stuck in the eye, it is tempting to rub the eye, but this can scratch the cornea.

Your eyes offer you a world full of wondrous and amazing sights. Enjoy this precious gift.