Tips for good eyesight
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jul 26, 2020 • 2 min Read
Good eye health is the key behind your excellent performance in all spheres of life whether at home, work, or anywhere else. That is why it’s important to take a few simple steps to make sure you help keep your eyesight at its best.
According to a 2017 report from the Department of Health, 2.17 million Filipinos are affected by bilateral low vision and around 332,150 are considered bilaterally blind due to cataracts, error of refraction, and glaucoma. However, as shown in recent studies, the risk of having eye diseases or loss of vision can be lessened just by having healthy choices and regular eye check-ups.
Here are some tips from the National Eye Institute to keep your eyes healthy:
1. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is simple and painless and it’s the single best thing you can do for your eye health. Even if your eyes feel healthy, you could have a problem and not know it because many eye diseases don’t have any symptoms or warning signs.
2. Find out if you’re at risk for eye diseases
Getting older increases your risk of some eye diseases. You have a higher risk of eye diseases if you are/have:
* overweight or obese
* family history of eye disease
* diabetes
* blood pressure
3. Eat healthy foods
Eat plenty of dark, leafy greens vegetables. Eating fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna is good for your eyes, too.
4. Get active
Being physically active helps you stay healthy for it lowers the risk of health conditions that cause eye diseases.
5. Quit smoking
Smoking increases your risk of diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts and it can harm the optic nerve.
6. Wear sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses even on cloudy days.
7. Wear protective eyewear
If the situation or activities call for it, wear safety glasses and goggles to protect your eyes.
8. Give your eyes a rest
Looking at a computer for a long time can tire out your eyes. Take a break every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
9. If you wear contact lenses, prevent eye infections
Always wash your hands before you put your contact lenses or take them out. Be sure to disinfect your contact lenses and replace them regularly.
If you feel you’re at risk for some eye diseases, consult a doctor. You may be able to take steps to lower your risk. Don’t take your eyes for granted, protect your eyes, and preserve your vision. Stay healthy!
