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Wellness through Vision: A Guide to Eye Care Practices
Our eyes are an integral aspect of daily life, providing us with a window to the colours and beauty of the world around us. However, many of us take our vision for granted, forgetting in the bustle of life that a proper eye health is crucial for maintaining crystal clear vision.
Alongside regular physical exercise and proper nutrition, we must also pay attention to eye care practices. By following the practices listed in this article below, you can maintain your eye health and achieve wellness through vision.
The foundation of any effective eye care routine is scheduling yourself for regular eye exams. There are several eye conditions that may not display noticeable signs until they reach an advanced stage, which is why it is so crucial to utilise eye exams to detect such issues early on. Eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are just a few examples of those conditions that require the timely intervention of eye exams to prevent any potential vision loss.
The optometrists and ophthalmologists who can provide these exams play an important role in assessing the health of your eyes. During your appointment, you can ask any pressing questions you may have about your vision, even as they perform tests on ocular features such as:
Professional care is one of the most accurate and effective ways of ensuring your wellness through vision. During these eye exams, you can also determine if your eyes need additional support for clarity of vision. This may mean wearing vision-correcting glasses, or, for those who want something more discrete, something from the 1001 Optometry contact lenses range. Either way, your eyes can get the resources they need for perfect vision.
A balanced diet does more than boost your energy levels and maintain your overall physical well-being. It is also incredibly beneficial for maintaining optimal eye health, especially when you are eating foods rich in key nutrients. Some of the most beneficial nutrients for your eyes’ health include:
You can obtain these nutrients by regularly consuming foods like leafy greens, fish, nuts, colourful fruits and vegetables, and seeds. The antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are known to protect the eyes from oxidative stress, while the omega-3 fatty acids from fish support the overall health of your retina. On top of eating a balanced diet, ensuring that you are also well-hydrated keeps the fluid balance of the eyes equal, preventing dryness and irritation that could affect your wellness levels.
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is a necessity for maintaining their health and preventing some eye problems. Cataracts and macular degeneration have been known to arise from prolonged exposure to UV rays, as well as photokeratitis, which is like a sunburn on the retina.
The best tools for protecting your eyes are sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. The former should be capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays while outside, and the sunglasses should also come with a high Eye Protection Factor (EPF) to ensure maximum protection. The addition of a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional shade for your eyes and help shield them from the UV rays that may harm your vision.
It is not uncommon for our eyes to spend prolonged periods of time staring at screens in this digital age. However, while our jobs or habits may have us regularly looking at tablets, computers, or phones, it is crucial to remember our eye health as well. This is particularly important as prolonged exposure to digital screens has been known to lead to eye strain and discomfort, a condition commonly referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).
To help alleviate this eye strain, you should practise the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet (6 metres) away from you. This practice is particularly crucial to implement from a young age as myopia continues to become a more common concern in the overall population. Integrating this 20-20-20 habit into your everyday routine can help reduce eye fatigue, prevent dryness, and promote better eye health.
The eye rest that is required when staring at digital screens extends to most areas of life, especially when it comes to adequate levels of sleep. Regularly getting quality sleep at night is fundamental for our overall well-being, but it also allows our eyes to rest and rejuvenate. At night, your eyes’ tear production is promoted, preventing dry eyes and other symptoms of eye strain. Without sufficient sleep, it is common to experience eye redness, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to light.
That is why everyone is encouraged to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and to follow good sleep practices. This means putting wellness first by creating a comfortable sleep environment for yourself, minimising screen time before bed, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
It is evident that obtaining wellness through vision requires a holistic approach. Caring for our eyes is only accessible when we take care of our whole body, such as obtaining enough sleep and a balanced diet. By following the practices in this article, you can safeguard your eyes from potential issues and enjoy a clear, vibrant view of the world.
By prioritising eye care, you are investing in long-term wellness and your eyes will continue to showcase the beauty of the world around you. So, commit yourself to nurturing your vision and embracing a lifestyle that promotes eye health for a brighter, clearer future.