As the popular saying goes, “The eyes are the windows of the soul.” Through your eyes the world can see what is in your heart and mind. And likewise, through your eyes, you can see the beauty and wonders of this world. It is therefore important that you know how to take care of them so they will last through your whole life. Here are 7 eye care tips you must know to maintain the function of your eyes.
Photo Credit: The 10 cent designer
Good nutrition is important to maintain healthy eyes. Vitamins that are good for the eyes and eyesight are beta-carotene or vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Lutein is also said to strengthen the macula, the area in the retina responsible for central vision.
Photo Credit: dst.zero
The ultraviolet rays of the sun can harm your eyes. The UV rays can age and damage the sensitive tissues of the eyes. Damage manifests itself through conditions such as photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis. These are conditions that are similar to the sunburn you experience on your skin. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and its UV rays can also increase your risks for cataracts and other eye diseases.
Photo Credit: square eyes
Don’t scratch or rub your eyes when they are irritated by dust or foreign particles. This may lead to a scratched cornea. Instead, you can try blinking rapidly. The rapid blinking will cause tear formation which will hopefully wash away the particle or relieve the irritation. You can also rinse your eyes with saline solution or cold water.
Photo Credit: Black Cat Photos
There are ingredients in eye makeup that may irritate the eyes when used for a prolonged period. Remove eye makeup and wash your face before going to bed. This practice will also keep the skin around your eyes healthy.
Photo Credit: artisticonfusion
Your eyes, like any muscle in your body, needs to be rested periodically. Failure to rest your eyes can cause eyestrain. Rest your eyes after every 30 minutes of using the computer. The best way to rest your eyes is by closing them and blocking out light. You can also look at a green or blue surface to relax your eyes.
Photo Credit: HilaryQuinn
Eye exercises can give you healthy eyesight by strengthening the muscles of your eyes. Here is an easy exercise to perform. Rotate your eyeballs clockwise. First look up, to the right, look down, to the left, and lastly, look to the center. Do the clockwise rotation five times then shift to a counterclockwise rotation.
Photo Credit: dr_nik
Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at least once a year. He or she can check the condition of your vision. Your doctor can also determine any eye problems and the proper course of treatment.
Taking care of your eyes does not require an extreme lifestyle change. You just need to make conscious choices when it comes to nutrition, eye wear, and other practices. Life in darkness is hard so be sure that you are not taking your eyes and eyesight for granted.
Top Photo Credit: 3Alex