Healthy eyes are essential to maintaining good vision. Eyesight is one of the senses we value the most but may think about the least, especially if you do not wear glasses or contact lenses. Eye strain from computer use, damage from UV rays and susceptibility to eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma are all potentially preventable or treatable with proper eye care.
Step 1
Get regular eye exams from a qualified professional. How often you need eye exams varies based on your age, race and medical history. The Prevent Blindness America campaign recommends comprehensive exams every two years, on average, though you may need them more frequently if you wear contacts or glasses, have diabetes, suffered past eye trauma or are over age 65.
Step 2
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ulraviolet rays. The Environmental Protection Agency states that exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, rays can contribute to cataracts, snow blindness and a non-cancerous abnormal growth around the eyes called pterygium. Check weather forecasts for daily UV ratings rather than relying on the presence of sun; you can still be exposed to UV rays even on cloudy days.
Step 3
Take frequent breaks from computer use to minimize eye strain. The Pasadena Eye Clinic reports that eye strain is a very common complaint among people who regularly use computers for work. Although eye strain does not cause permanent damage, it is uncomfortable. Prevent or minimize eye strain by taking frequent breaks for 15 to 20 minute periods, blinking more often and sitting at an ergonomically correct work station.
Step 4
Eat a healthy diet. The eyes are similar to other parts of the body in that they function best when you eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables to ensure your intake of the vitamins most important for vision, including the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and minerals selenium and zinc. Among the foods that are good for eyesight are liver, eggs, carrots, milk, sweet potatoes, spinach and cantaloupe.
Step 5
Care for your contact lenses properly. If you wear contacts, follow your eye doctor's instructions for proper lens cleaning procedures. Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses. Rub lenses in the palm of your hand with a drop or two of cleaning solution for cleaning, even if you use a "no-rub" solution, and rinse with solution before soaking them in fresh lens cleaner every day. It is acceptable to use a multi-purpose solution for all three of these steps unless your doctor directs otherwise. Replace your lenses on the recommended schedule.
Tips and Warnings
- If you experience eye pain, contact your eye doctor immediately.
- Do not share eye makeup with anyone because this could spread eye infections. Do not use tap water in your eyes if you wear contacts, as this could introduce dangerous bacteria that can cause serious infections.
