How to take care of your eyes in six easy steps

Eyesight can deteriorate as you get older or as a result of certain health conditions. Here are a few ways you can protect and improve your vision:

1. Take breaks from your computer screen

Take a break from working on your computer every two to three hours. Ideally, your break should be for about 15 minutes. During this time, you should look at objects that are a few meters away. Too much screen time can increase the chances of developing myopia (near-sightedness).

2. Make sure you work in good light

Sit next to a window while you work and make sure you have good quality light in your home. If it’s not possible to sit next to a window, then you can buy a natural light emitting bulb for your desk lamp (full spectrum UV bulbs).

3. Wear sunglasses when outdoors

Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light is essential. Excessive exposure to UV light can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the eye such as pterygium. It’s important to remember that UV rays can pass through clouds and occur all year round, so it is best to always wear sunglasses when outdoors.

4. Have your eyes examined regularly

Your eyes need to be examined regularly to keep your eyes healthy. Even if you do not wear spectacles or contact lenses, you should have regular dilated eye examinations. A dilated eye exam can help detect eye conditions in their early stages, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Regular eye examinations become more important as you reach your 40s and 50s. If you wear spectacles or contact lenses, you will need to monitor any changes in your sight and have your prescription updated by your optometrist. At the same time, your optometrist can inform you of any vision problems that may be developing. It is exceptionally important that a dilated eye examination is performed annually if you have diabetes.

5. Manage your chronic conditions

Other health issues that can contribute to vision problems include high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, cancer, kidney disease and stroke. Getting the correct treatment for chronic conditions and living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing complications such as eye problems.

6. Get enough Vitamin ‘See‘

Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may lower the risk of macular degeneration. Take supplements or include foods in your diet that are rich in vitamins A, C and E.

Living a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods, exercising regularly, wearing sunglasses and getting enough sleep, all contribute to your overall health as well as your eye health.