Eye see that we have piqued your curiosity…
Middlesex Eye Physicians, strives help our patients see their best and to inform our patients about their eye health. We will be sharing our vision, for your vision, in a series of articles on topics that benefit all.
Did you know that there are simple things that we all should be doing to take care of our eyes?
First, be as healthy as you can be. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables especially foods rich in Omega 3 and Lutein. Seafood such as salmon and sardines, along with dark leafy greens, egg yolks, and walnuts are all healthy choices. Supplementing your nutrition with a good quality Omega 3 supplement or Flaxseed Oil is advisable if you do not enjoy eating these foods. (PS You now have an excuse to eat caviar…Omega 3 boost!)
Secondly, get in the habit of exercising both your body and your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 “rule” while at work. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds or so to give your eyes a rest from the computer or small print.
Practice good sleep habits. Studies have shown that the eye needs at least five hours of sleep per night to properly replenish and work to their full potential.
Always wear sunglasses and enjoy that Vitamin D. Sunglasses can prevent damage to your eye and wrinkles from squinting. For those involved in sports or a hazardous job, wearing sports eye-wear or safety goggles is advised.
While indoors, avoid dry, smoky places, as well as fans blowing directly toward your face. Smoking can be detrimental to your eyes: over time damage from the chemicals in cigarettes/vapes include: increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration by three times; as well as exposing your eyes to the risks of glaucoma, vision loss, dry-eye syndrome and diabetic retinopathy.
Only touch your eyes with clean hands and avoid rubbing your eyes. If you are a contact lens wearer, best practice includes not overwearing your lenses, cleaning lenses regularly (unless daily disposable) and never sleeping in contacts. Avoid waterproof eye makeup and always clean off your make-up with non-oil make-up remover before going to bed.
Use Artificial tears as needed throughout the day. Artificial tears do not hurt your eyes and some formulas are preservative free.
Productive night time routines can provide mini spa treatments and can include cleansing your eyelid and lash areas, using heated eye masks such as the Bruder eye mask and inserting some gel tears just before going to sleep.
If you know your family health AND eye health history, you can make informed decisions about your eye care. Consult with your eyecare professional today.
Written by PE, Middlesex Eye Physicians
