Good vision is something that most of us take for granted. Although some eye problems are inherited or related to your age, there are many ways to prevent problems developing and ensure good eye health.
One of the main problems many of us have nowadays is that we spend so long staring at the screen of a computer or other electronic device. This concentration on one spot can cause problems such as eyestrain, dry eyes and/or blurred vision. To prevent these problems, you should make sure that your computer is positioned correctly. Your eyes should be level with the top of the screen so that you’re looking slightly downwards.
The level of lighting is also important. When you’re looking at a screen, low or very bright lighting can damage your eyes. You should therefore control the lighting levels, and if necessary, use an anti-glare screen.
To ensure your eyes have a rest, you should follow the 20-20-20 rule. This means that after 20 minutes of concentrating on the screen, you should stare at something 20ft away for at least 20 seconds. If possible, you should also try to incorporate a 15-minute break after 2 hours of work on the computer. Not only will this rest your eyes, but it’ll give you the opportunity to stretch your muscles and ease your neck/back too.
If, despite these precautions, you continue to have problems with your vision, you should book an appointment for an eye test. Unfortunately, many eye problems can develop without any warning signs. Regular eye tests will enable the problem to be spotted in time before any permanent damage occurs.
Eyes should be protected at all times. 60% of eye injuries occur in the workplace, so if your employer issues you with eye protection, you should make sure it’s worn at all times. You should also invest in eye googles made of polycarbonate (which is much stronger than other types of plastic) when you’re doing certain sporting activities or doing DIY jobs around the home.
UV-A and UV-B radiation from sunlight can increase your chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. You should, therefore, get in the habit of wearing well-made sunglasses that can block 99-100% of UV radiation. This might be a more expensive option, but is worth every penny. If you have difficulties in paying upfront, you can borrow money online from a new direct lender.
Your general health has an impact on your vision as well. You should ensure that you have a well-balanced diet. Green leafy vegetables (like spinach) are rich in vitamins A and C and nutrients like zinc so they’re very good for your eyes, and so are fish which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna. Apart from watching your diet, you should never smoke and should exercise regularly. If you’re overweight, you increase your risk of developing glaucoma as well as conditions like type 2 diabetes. This can lead to complications with your sight.