The eyes are a delicate part of the body. Through the lens of the eyes, we see. Eye problems can be avoided if proper eye care is maintained daily. To maintain your eye health and keep your vision intact, here are 11 things that should be part of your daily routine:
1. Don’t rub your eyes
Desist from using your hands to rub your eyes because they(your hands) are carriers of germs, dirt, dust and bacteria. Avoid putting your hands in your eyes to prevent infection and irritation.
2. Wash your hands regularly
We use our hands for so many things it is easy to pick up germs and bacteria. Stay safe by washing your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.
3. Protect your eyes from the sunrays
Wear sunglasses to prevent your eye’s exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Ignoring this, increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration which may cause cornea sunburn or photokeratitis. Sunglasses can pass for a fashion statement but put them on to protect your eyes. If wearing them is not your thing, you can substitute them with UV-protected eyeglasses or contact lenses. Putting on caps, visors and hats are also advisable to protect your eyes.
4. Stay hydrated
The body is made up of water. Staying hydrated will prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritable.
5. Don’t smoke
Smoking makes you more prone to age-related macular degeneration and other eye conditions such as cataracts. Smoking can also damage the optic nerves, which can have adverse effects on your vision in the long run.
6. Eat a balanced diet
Eat foods rich in Beta-carotene, Lutein, Omega-3, Lycopene, and Vitamins C, A, and E to maintain your eye health. Make sure that your diet is infused with different foods that are rich in these nutrients.
7. Maintain proper monitor distance and room lighting
It is advisable to position computer monitors about an arm’s length away from the eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. This prevents eye strain. Likewise, make sure that you have sufficient but diffused lighting in your room. Don’t focus on too bright light as this is a major eye stressor.
8. Practise the 20-20-20 rule
For good eyesight and vision, you should adhere to the 20-20-20 rule, which states that:
Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer monitor and focus on an object that’s 20 feet away from you.
To prevent eye dryness, blink 20 successive times.
Every 20 minutes, get out of your seat and move 20 steps. This practice improves your vision. It also promotes proper posture and blood circulation throughout the body.
9. Use the right eye makeup
If you are a makeup person, go for the right brands. Avoid eye shadows, mascara, and eyeliners that cause an allergic reaction to your eyes. Remember to use a makeup remover before going to bed to avoid bacterial build-up from residual makeup left in the eye area. Always ensure your make-up brushes are clean, especially the ones that you use for eye make-up application.
10. Sleep
Just like every other part of the body, your eyes need rest. This is achievable when you sleep. Ensure that you get sufficient shut-eye each day to keep your eyes healthy and revitalised.
11. Wear appropriate eye safety gear for different activities
Ensure your eyes are protected always no matter what you do e.g. If you’re going swimming, wear goggles to avoid exposing your eyes to chlorine. Or if you’re gardening or attending to a DIY project at home, put on safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust particles, bacteria, and injuries.