Eyes are windows to the world so it is important that you take care of them. Visiting your doctor for regular eye checks, getting enough sleep, and taking regular eye breaks while working on a computer can help keep your eyes healthy. If you have vision problems, schedule an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible. Read this article again to learn some things you can do to keep your eyes healthy.
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Method 1 of 3: Taking Good Care of Your Eyes
Step 1. Visit an eye care clinic regularly
The experts who work in eye care clinics are specially trained experts who are able to check the health of your eyes. These experts consist of ophthalmologists or optometrists. To keep your eyes healthy, have your eyes checked regularly or when you have vision problems. Learn more about your eye condition and ask your doctor questions if you have any. By better understanding eye conditions and how to prevent eye diseases, you can take better control of your health.
- If you are not visually impaired, visit an eye care clinic every 5-10 years at 20 and 30 years of age.
- If you are not visually impaired, visit an eye clinic every 2-4 years (if you are 40-65 years old).
- If you are not visually impaired, visit an eye clinic every 1-2 years (after you are over 65 years old).
Step 2. Remove contact lenses at night
Do not wear contact lenses for more than 19 hours. Prolonged use of contact lenses can cause permanent eye damage, as well as eye discomfort.
- Never sleep wearing contact lenses, unless your doctor tells you to. The eyes need a regular supply of oxygen, while contact lenses can block the flow of oxygen to the eyes, especially when you sleep. Therefore, doctors usually advise you to remove your contact lenses at night so that your eyes can rest.
- Don't swim while wearing contact lenses, unless you wear tight-fitting swimming goggles. It's a good idea to wear swimming goggles that are recommended or prescribed by a doctor if necessary. However, you can wear contact lenses in the shower as long as you close your eyes if soap or shampoo gets into your eyes frequently.
- Follow the manufacturer's or product manufacturer's instructions and the ophthalmologist regarding the use of contact lenses and their cleaning solutions. One of the most important steps to follow is to wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
Step 3. Remove makeup at night
Always take the time to wash off your make-up before going to bed. Never sleep with eye makeup still on. If you sleep with mascara or eyeshadow still on your skin, it can get into your eyes and cause irritation.
- Sleeping with eye makeup still attached can also cause blockage of the pores around the eyes, causing nodules or hordeolum. To get rid of more severe nodules, you will need to take antibiotics or ask your doctor to remove them.
- Have a makeup remover pad/tissue near your bed if you are too tired to do your nightly facial cleansing routine.
Step 4. Use allergy-reducing eye drops as needed
Using allergy-reducing eye drops during allergy season can relieve red eyes and relieve itching, but if used daily, they can make eye conditions worse. This product can trigger rebound redness, which causes the eyes to appear very red for a long time because they can no longer respond to regular eye drops.
- Allergy eye drops work by preventing blood flow to the cornea so that the cornea is deprived of oxygen. Even if your eyes don't feel swollen or itchy, they're not actually getting enough oxygen from your blood. This eye condition is not ideal because the muscles and tissues of the eye need oxygen in order to work. Lack of oxygen to the eye can also cause swelling and sores.
- Read drug packaging labels carefully, especially if you wear contact lenses. Many products should not be used while you are wearing contact lenses. Ask your eye doctor about the types of eye medications that can be used with contact lenses.
Step 5. Wear protective sunglasses from ultraviolet rays
Always wear sunglasses when you are outdoors or when the sun is shining. Look for glasses with labels that indicate that the product can block 99% or 100% of UVB and UVA rays.
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays can harm eyesight so protection in youth helps prevent vision damage for years to come. Exposure to UV light can also cause cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula (yellow bumps on the eye), pterygium, and other harmful eye conditions.
- Because eye damage from ultraviolet rays accumulates over time, it is important that you protect your children from harmful ultraviolet rays. Make sure your little one wears a hat and protective sunglasses when out in the sun for long periods of time.
- Make sure you wear sunglasses, even in the shade. Although shaded areas reduce exposure to ultraviolet light and HEV significantly, your eyes are still exposed to ultraviolet light reflected off buildings and other structures.
- Never look directly at the sun, even when you are wearing sunglasses. Sunlight is very strong and can damage sensitive parts of the retina if exposed.
Step 6. Wear protective eyewear when necessary
Make sure you wear protective eyewear or other eye protective clothing when working with chemicals, power tools, or where there are airborne harmful particles. By wearing protective eyewear, you can protect your eyes from large or small objects that might hit your eyes and damage them.
Step 7. Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can cause eye fatigue. Symptoms of eye fatigue include eye irritation, difficulty focusing, dry or watery eyes, blurred or double vision, increased sensitivity to light, or pain in the neck, shoulders, or back. Make sure you get enough sleep every night to prevent tired eyes. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Step 8. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise helps prevent other diseases such as diabetes. By exercising for at least 30 minutes three times a week, you can reduce the chances of developing serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Step 9. Stick the cucumber slices on the eyelids to relieve puffy eyes
Press cold cucumber slices on the eyelids and hold for 10-15 minutes before going to bed at night to treat and prevent puffy eyes or swelling under the eyes.
Green tea bags can also prevent puffy eyes when placed in the eye. Soak the tea bag in cold water for a few minutes and place it on the eye for 15-20 minutes. The tannins in tea can relieve swelling
Method 2 of 3: Protecting Your Eyes While Working Using a Computer
Step 1. Limit the use of computers, tablets, and phones if possible
While science has yet to prove that looking at a computer screen can cause permanent eye damage, it can cause eye strain and dryness. Light from a computer screen causes muscle fatigue in the eyes, either because the screen display is too bright or too dark. If you can't limit the amount of time you use your computer (or your monitor's light exposure), there are several techniques you can follow to give your eyes a break.
Step 2. Make sure your eyes are at the same level as the monitor
Looking down or looking up when looking at a computer screen for long periods of time can strain your eyes. Position the computer and yourself properly so that you are looking straight at the screen.
Step 3. Don't forget to blink
People rarely blink when looking at a computer screen so the eyes become even more dry. Consciously, blink every 30 seconds when you are sitting and looking at a computer screen to prevent dry eyes.
Step 4. Follow the “20-20-20” rule when you work on a computer
Every 20 minutes, stare at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. You can set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to rest your eyes with this technique.
Step 5. Work in a bright place
Working and reading in dim light won't hurt your eyes, but it can strain your eyes. To be more comfortable, work and read in bright rooms only. If your eyes feel tired, take a break and rest.
Method 3 of 3: Eating Certain Foods to Maintain Eye Health
Step 1. Consume types of food that can maintain eye health
Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega three fatty acids are essential for eye health. These nutrients can prevent cataracts, cloudy eye lenses, and macular degeneration due to aging.
In general, a healthy and balanced diet can maintain eye health
Step 2. Eat foods that contain vitamin E
Add whole grains, nuts, wheat germ, and vegetable oils to your diet. These types of foods are rich in vitamin E. Therefore, try to consume these types of foods every day so that you get your daily dose of vitamin E.
Step 3. Eat foods that contain zinc
Eat beef, shellfish, peanuts, and legumes. These foods contain zinc which is important for your eye health.
Step 4. Eat foods that contain vitamin C
Add oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and brussels sprouts to your diet. These types of foods contain vitamin C which is important for eye health.
Step 5. Enjoy foods that contain lutein and zeaxanthin
Consume kale, spinach, broccoli, and peas. These vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are essential nutrients for eye health.
Step 6. Eat carrots
If you eat carrots, your eyesight will get better.
Step 7. Eat foods that contain omega three fatty acids
Enjoy a serving of fish containing omega-3 fats, such as salmon or sardines, once or twice a week. If you don't like fish, you can take a daily omega-3 supplement.
Tips
- Do not look directly at the bright light.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to prevent poor vision and other health problems.
- Eat more vegetables (especially carrots) and drink more water.
- If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or hypertension, you will need to be seen by an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye diseases). Diabetics must keep their blood sugar levels constant because they cannot produce insulin.
- Do not use eye drops if you are not sure that the product is right for your eye condition. Although eye drops can make the eyes feel more comfortable, their medical benefits have not been fully proven. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or ophthalmologist.
- Wash your hands before putting on contact lenses.
- Wear swimming goggles when you swim.
- Never touch your eyes when your hands are dirty or dusty.
- In addition to eating a healthy diet and taking care of yourself and your eyes, see an eye doctor every year. An ophthalmologist can diagnose vision problems that can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. In addition, the ophthalmologist will also check for symptoms of dry eyes, problems with the retina, and even overall body conditions (eg diabetes and high blood pressure).
Warning
- Don't rub your eyes too often.
- Maintain a proper distance between your eyes and the computer screen.
- Never look directly at the sun or use a telescope.
- Do not put sharp objects in the eyes.
- Never put/sprinkle salt in the eyes.
