Five Important Habits To Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Five Important Habits To Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Imagine how many millions of people around the world work every day between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or over in front of the computer. More and more people suffer from vision problems because eye care is taken for granted.

It is very important that our eyes need time to rest after working for long hours in front of the computer or a game console, watching television or reading a book. However, rest for some people could mean reading a book, watching TV or playing computer games, which still requires the eyes to be stressed and get tired.

Although these activities could sometimes be unavoidable, just remember to take a few minutes off at what you’re doing and rest your eyes. Observing proper eye care can prevent poor eyesight or vision loss as you age.

Here are some important habits on how to take care of your eyes:

1. Eat foods that are good for your eyes.

Important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in foods and strengthen the eyesight are beta carotene, lutein, vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Examples of foods where these nutrients are found are the following:

• Carrot is known to be associated with improving the eyesight. It is packed with beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene. Lutein and lycopene are phytonutrients that protects the eyes from sun damage and UVB radiation.

• Citrus fruits and juices such as orange and lemon are rich in Vitamin C that protects the eyes against infections and diseases.

• Green leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach and kale contain antioxidants, vitamin A and other nutrients that protect the eyes from eyesight problems like cataracts.

• Salmon, tuna, sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 improves memory and brain function and mackerel

• Eggs, grapes and dark berries are good sources of zinc and other minerals that help increase proper vision.

2. Make your working environment comfortable.

Computer vision syndrome is a type of eye fatigue that strains the eyes. Observe proper posture when working and keep your computer monitor below eye level and at least 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes. Wear proper graded eyeglasses to protect your eyes from the glare. Furthermore, use a glare filter for your monitor.

3. Wear sunglasses.

Wearing sunglasses protects the eyes against direct sun exposure; and UVA and UVB rays.

4. Use proper lighting when working.

Make sure that your light is not too bright or low when working. Lower intensity bulbs and fluorescent lights are ideal to use as lighting condition for your work area. In addition, adjust your computer’s brightness, text size and contrast that properly suit your vision and make you feel comfortable.

5. Take a break and exercise.

Do some stretching and exercise to prevent computer vision syndrome, back pains and eye fatigue. Eye doctors advise to look up and away from the computer for at least 20 minutes to relax the muscles inside the eyes.

Practicing these tips shows that you love and value your eyes. You will surely enjoy good eyesight for a very long time.