Tips for Healthy Eyes

In the past two articles, we discussed about the common problems that our eyes face and the type of foods/supplements that help protect against those. Today, we will look into practical tips which are so simple yet important in ensuring our eyes stay strong and functioning. 

1. Don't look directly at the sun. Every time an eclipse is announced to happen soon, the first thing we'd do is to immediately gaze towards the great, black ball's direction. While this phenomenon is a wonder to behold, did you know that looking directly at it will cause permanent damage to your eyes as it burns the cells and muscles? If you want to appreciate the eclipse in its full glory, be sure to put on UV sunglasses first!

2. Take regular eye breaks. In today's world, it's impossible to stay away from the wide screen - be it the TV, computer, or tablet. But research has shown that staring at these devices for a long time can cause your eyesight to become strained, blurry, or dry. If you experience any of these, here are some tips to consider: 

• - Make sure your glasses prescription are compatible and updated
  - Rest your eyes every 20 minutes
  - Adjust the top of the monitor to your eye level
  - Blink more or use artificial tears if your eyes get dry
  

3. Wash your hands often. This may sound strange to some, but having good hand hygiene can decrease the likelihood of eye infections, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic where it has been found that the virus can infect a person through the eyes. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water while avoiding direct contact with your eyes. Should you feel the urgent need to rub it, apply eye drops instead to relieve it. 

4. Visit your eye doctor often. Our eyes are prone to general wear and tear over time, so it's important to pay regular visits to the ophthalmologist as they can help identify and treat eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts. Be sure to tell them your family's medical history so that they can provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition.