Eye Care Tips - keep your eyes healthy and protect your vision

A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of eye health problems

Our eyes are one of the most fascinating part of the body and sight is, arguably, our most important sense. More of the brain is dedicated to vision than to hearing, taste, touch, and smell combined. All parts of the eye are very delicate so it is very important to take care of the eyes.
Protecting your overall health can go a long way to keeping your eyes healthy! Making healthy choices and taking good care of yourself is important. Healthy habits like eating well and being active can lower your risk for diseases and conditions that can lead to eye or vision problems, like diabetes or high blood pressure.

In the world, eyes are one of God's most precious gifts

For you, your eyes are the windows through which you see this beautiful world. Sharp eyesight is part of good life. To maintain your eye health and to keep your vision sharp, always take care of your eyes.
Comprises most important tips for eye care.

1. Ways to protect eyes in Summer

1. Sunglasses or goggles: Whenever you are outside under the sun always wear sunglasses that offer proper UV (Ultraviolet) protection. If in case your shades are not offering 100% UV protection then chances are that they may be causing greater harm than benefitting your eyes. Some people often believe that sufficient UV protection comes at a higher price but that is absolutely not true. Cheaper goggles or sunglasses also offer adequate protection against UV rays.
2. Go for larger shades: While considering protection from UV (Ultraviolet) rays, try to think big and look for a pair which offer wraparound frames. Such shades have wider lens which means better eye care.
3. Wear a sun hat or visor While sunglasses or goggles offer the first line of defence it is always better to wear a sun hat or visor for that extra protection. After all you need to shade your eyes from the rays of the sun.
4. Wear sport sunglasses during cloudy weather: It is not a bad idea to wear sport sunglasses during overcast or cloudy weather. This would ensure good eye care and protect the eyes from UV (Ultraviolet). You should not be deceived by a cloudy or overcast day.
5. Keep a second pair of glasses in hand: Sunglasses are vulnerable to damage and can be lost if not taken care of properly. It is always a good idea to have a second pair handy as that would ensure your eyes are still protected during the harsh summer season.
6. Stay hydrated: It is very important to keep both your skin and eyes hydrated. Always drink adequate water (min of 2 litres) a day to prevent hydrated eyes and skin.
7. Avoid midday sun: Whenever possible try to stay inside especially during later mornings and afternoons. It is this time during when the strength of the sun is at its maximum and UV is at its peak. If in case you need to go outside then wear polarized lenses since they reduce the glare. Such glasses are great to wear during driving or if you are cycling.
8. Sunscreen lotion: While applying sunscreen lotion try to avoid any contact with the eyes as that may cause irritation. Proper eye care during summers is essential. If in case you experience any irritation then properly wash your eyes with clean water.
9. Get Adequate Sleep: Although you know how important it is to get a good night’s rest, you may find it hard to get the sleep you need, particularly with a busy lifestyle.

2. Ways to protect eyes in Winter

Many times, we do not realise that a sudden drop in the outside temperature especially during winters can pose a threat to our eyes. Most of us think that eye care is not necessary during the cold and it should only be considered during the summer and monsoon season. However it is to be noted that the sun’s influence remains throughout the year and winter is no different. Exposure to UV rays during winter can in fact pose temporary harm to the eyes and this is why eye care is essential. The cold wind and dry air can cause irritation to the eyes especially while you are outdoors.
1. Sun glasses: If you are of the opinion that sunglasses with UV protection are required only during the summer days, you are way out of the truth. During winter, eyes have to endure UV rays as much as during hot days and the only remedy is to wear good protective sunglasses.
2. Keep eyes moist: The constant blow of hot air from heater is one of the leading causes to create dryness and irritation in the eyes. Infact, the problem can turn out to be more severe for the patients whose tear glands do not function properly. Uses artificial tear drops to alleviate the problem of irritation and dryness.
3. Contact lens woes: For individuals who prefer contact lens, the trouble gets multi-folded, as it becomes very difficult to wear them. Consult your eye doctor and if necessary you can always go for eye drops or solutions to moisten your contact lens. And as an added tip, always keep your prescription glasses ready as a backup.
4. Avoid infection: Winter is the most apt period for infections such as conjunctivitis to spread and hence it would not be a bad strategy to clean and wash your hands frequently. Also make it a point to avoid sharing makeup products that come in contact your eyes or eyelashes.
5. Wear goggles: Goggles not only protect you from UV rays, but can also save your eyes from drying out soon. As an added plus point, while driving or walking it can safeguard your eyes from twigs, leaves, and slush that are prone to get carried away by wind. Again, if possible, cover your face with hoods during outdoor activity to avoid the direct blow of air. This would not only save your eyes, but also protect your skin.
6. Sleep well: Lack of sleep, one of the main reasons for the occurrence of dry eyes, needs to be totally eliminated. Sleep deprivation can easily trigger irritation in already strained eyes and cause further damage.
Visit your eye doctor: It is very much necessary to get your vision examined atleast once in a year.
Winter can be fun provided you adopt proper precautions.

3. Eye care for Computers Professionals

Spending long hours in front of television or computers is part of peoples life today. Here are some useful eye care tips for computer users.

1. After every 20 to 30 minutes of work, look at a distant away object and blink several times. This will help in better focusing
2. Blink frequently. People tend to reduce blink rate while working on computer. This can lead to dry eyes. Try to blink 12 to 15 times every minute.
3. Exercise you eyes at frequent intervals. Eye exercise is simple. All you need to do is just blink several times, then close your eyes and role them in clockwise and anti clockwise direction. While doing this, inhale and exhale slowly and open your eyes slowly after doing this.
4. Rub your palms against each other till them become warm. Cover your eyes with your warm palms for about a minute. Palming is another great way to relax and soothe your eyes.
5. Splashing water on you face during breaks can keep you refreshed. This also helps in cooling your eyes.
6. A few minutes of walk during breaks will refresh your body and mind. It is also good for your eyes as walking increases blood supply to your eyes.
7. Fix an anti glare screen on to your monitor or use anti glare glass while working on computers. Also position the monitor and lights in such a manner that glare from the screen is minimum.

4. Foods That Boost Your Eye Health

Eating healthy is good for your whole body — especially your eyes!
1. Fish: Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect against dry eyes, macular degeneration and even cataracts.
2. Carrots: Carrots are full of vitamin A as well as beta carotene. The carotenoids in carrots are what give them their orange color as well as promote healthy vision. Vitamin A is great for your eyes in that it consists of a protein known as rhodopsin, which aids the retina in the absorption of light.
3. Eggs: The vitamins and nutrients in eggs, including lutein and vitamin A (which may protect against night blindness and dry eyes), promote eye health and function. The egg yolk contain antioxidants that decrease chances of developing cataracts as well as age-related lens and retinal degeneration.
4. Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of vitamin A which is great for the eyes. Vitamin A improves eyesight and also prevents cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Vitamin A is also required to solve the problem of dry eye and protect the eyes from both bacterial and viral infections. At the same time sweet potatoes are also rich in beta carotene, potassium and fiber.
5. Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, lettuce and collard greens, are packed full of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important plant pigments that can help stop the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. Broccoli, peas and avocados are also good sources of this powerful antioxidant duo.