Your eyes are your window to the world and therefore deserve to be well cared for and looked after in order to maintain a healthy vision…and that doesn’t start and end with a regular eye screening. Optique Optometrist shares five practical tips to help you get into the habit of looking after your eyes better:
Choosing the right sunglasses
Too much UV exposure boosts your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. People generally think polarised lenses are the best option and while they do reduce glare while you drive, they don’t necessarily offer added protection. You want to choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Opt for wraparound lenses to help protect your eyes from the side as well.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
Eye rubbing causes thinning and misshaping of the front eye structures (cornea) which results in severe visual abnormalities. While itching and burning eyes can just be caused by tiredness, it is often a symptom of allergies, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or Dry Eye Syndrome. Speak to your eye care professional about your itchy eyes to find the cause and prevent any damage to your eyes.
Adopt good eye make-up hygiene
Get into the habit of not keeping your mascara and liquid eyeliner for longer than three months after opening to avoid germ build-up. Commit to removing your eye make-up properly every evening before going to bed to prevent the make-up from blocking important glands in your eyelids that are responsible for helping your tears function. If these glands are blocked, you could end up with blepharitis or dry eye disease.
Care for your contact lenses
Wearing old contact lenses or ones that don’t fit properly or sleeping with them in can lead to swelling and scratching on the structures of your eyes making it easier for germs to enter your eye. Wear and clean your lenses correctly to avoid the risk of infection. Monthly lenses should be thrown away as prescribed and your lens solution should be replaced every day.
Know your family’s eye health history
Take note of any health issues you might inherit from your family so that you can take precautions early on if necessary. Diabetes, hypertension and even tick bite fever can have a big influence on your eye health. When starting new medication, find out if it could have any effects on your eye health to make sure you are aware of any potential changes to look out for.
