Your eyes are your window to the world, and taking care of them is essential to maintain good vision and optimal eye health. If your 2024 diary is quickly filling up with invigorating adventures and magical experiences with loved ones, then make sure that your eyes are ready to take in every special moment with our guide on how to keep your eyes healthy. From planning and implementing a balanced diet that is rich in eye-friendly nutrients, to giving your eyes regular screen breaks at work this year, there are several easy-to-implement lifestyle habits that will maintain your eyesight and stave off eye conditions, so ensure that you can enjoy a year of memorable experiences without eye issues with our top tips.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining good health across your body, and just like the rest of your body, your eyes need a variety of nutrients to function at their best. Incorporating foods that are rich in eye-friendly nutrients into your diet is a simple yet highly effective way to support your vision and reduce the risk of certain eye complications, so be sure to include vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, and plenty of omega fatty acids in your routine diet. Some good ways to achieve this is by eating foods such as:
- Leafy Greens: Leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help defend your eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining the health of blood vessels in your eyes.
- Fish: Oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce dry eyes, and also Omega 3, which helps to maintain the health of the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.
- Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your eyes against damage, as well as reducing the risk of cataracts and AMD.
Be sure to give your eyes these essential, nourishing foods, and be sure to stay hydrated throughout 2024 to prevent dry eyes and keep your eyes lubricated, particularly during the hot summer months and the cold, dry winter days.
Avoiding Eye Strain and UV Rays
As more and more people rely almost exclusively on their screens for their work, it’s becoming increasingly common to spend the entire work day in front of a screen. Whilst this is becoming a necessity for many industries, many individuals may then find themselves spending their evenings, weekends, and downtime in front of screens as well, which can lead to strained eyes, dry eyes, and blurred vision, as well as a host of long-term issues that we will continue to see impact the population over the next few decades. To prevent these issues and prioritise your eyesight health, it’s important to give your eyes regular breaks from screens.
One simple exercise to follow is the 20-20-20 rule. This recommends that every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break from your screen or work and focus on an object that is 20 feet away to reduce the strain on your eyes, relax your eye muscles, and avoid digital eye fatigue. Also make sure to blink frequently to reduce glare, avoid strain, and keep your eyes moist.
Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is an equally important consideration, yet it is often one that most people overlook or underestimate the impact of. UV light can damage various parts of the eye, such as the eyelid, cornea, and retina, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and other harmful conditions. To shield your eyes from these harmful rays, invest in sunglasses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays ahead of summer to avoid intense glare and prevent damage. When choosing sunglasses, make sure that you opt for ones that provide adequate coverage and have polarised lenses for maximum protection and effectiveness.
Exercise
Regular exercise is not only great for your overall health, but it also has specific benefits for your eyes. Engaging in physical activity improves blood circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to your eyes and reduces the risk of developing eye complications or conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Whilst maintaining a regular exercise routine is an effective and beneficial way to prioritise your eyesight health and contribute to better vision, there are specific exercises that can be incorporated into your daily routine to care directly for your eyes and vision, such as following the 20-20-20 rule mentioned earlier.
Remember, it is always advisable to consult with our dedicated eye care specialists for personalised advice and guidance, which leads us to our last top tip.
Attending Regular Eye Check-ups
Regular eye check-ups are essential for maintaining your eyes and vision. Even if you have perfect vision, it’s important to regularly have your eyes examined by an optician to detect any early signs of eye conditions and provide appropriate treatment before they progress.
In 2024, trust our highly skilled and fully qualified team to help you prioritise your eyes. Regular visits to our specialist practice will allow our team to keep up-to-date with your visual acuity and regularly screen your eyes for any underlying conditions. Depending on your overall vision and any developing issues, we may recommend specific measures to maintain or improve your vision, so schedule your first eye examination of 2024 today and take your first proactive step to protect your vision health.
Put Eye Health at The Top of Your List in 2024
Remember; your eyes are precious and deserve the highest level of care that optometry can offer. With our experienced team and specialist equipment, our practice is here to offer comprehensive eye care services that are tailored to your individual needs throughout 2024.
At Dominic Tunnell Opticians, we encourage all of our valued patients to see eyecare as a joint effort, so don’t wait until you experience vision problems – remember to take these proactive steps to maintain healthy eyes throughout the new year and regularly attend our practice to ensure that your eyes are in the best possible condition.
