Taking Care of Your Eyes
Your eyes are very sensitive instruments that require the same type of attention as your skin. Like your skin, your eyes are adversely affected by too much exposure to the sun and toxins and require vitamins and nutrients to remain healthy.
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most important step towards maintaining them in top shape. In fact, sunglasses are just as important for eye protection as sunscreen is for the skin. While the danger of over-exposure to sunlight on the skin receives much attention, the risks of eye damage and other resulting vision problems are often overlooked.
Fortunately, proper sunglasses are all you need to protect your eyes from UV-related damage. Contrary to what you might think, the right pair does not necessarily mean the most expensive one. What is important is the level of UV protection they provide.
When shopping for sunglasses, make sure they have a label indicating 99-100% UV Protection or UV 400. If there is no such label, do not buy them. Sunglasses that are identified as “cosmetic” should especially be avoided.
The shape of your sunglasses is also essential. Choose a pair with a shape that covers the entire eye and does not allow UV light to get in through the sides. In addition, be aware that the tint or colour of the lens has nothing to do with the level of UV protection. Dark lenses may look safer, but the fact is that glasses with light lenses designed for optimal UV protection will keep your eyes healthy while ones with dark lenses and low UV protection will not.
Even if your contact lenses offer UV protection, you should still wear sunglasses since the lenses probably do not protect the entire surface of the eye. Although you may forget at first, putting on your sunglasses before going out will soon become automatic if you work on developing this healthy habit.
Your eyes risk exposure to dangerous UV rays whenever you are outdoors, even on overcast days. While clouds provide shade, they do not serve as a barrier to UV light. For additional protection, you might want to consider wearing a hat, especially one with a broad brim.
Nowadays, most people have become conscientious about covering their children in sunscreen before going to the park or beach, and rightly so. However, the same care should be extended to your children’s eyes by making sure they wear sunglasses, not only at the beach, but whenever they will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
In addition to the sun’s rays, exposure to toxic substances and chemicals can pose both long-term and short-term risks for your eyes. Smoking may increase your chances of later developing eye diseases and should be avoided for the health of your eyes as well as for its better known dangers such as cardiovascular disease.
If your job or hobbies lead you to occasionally be exposed to toxic substances, always wear high quality protective glasses. Make sure you rinse your eyes immediately and thoroughly after any contact with toxins. Everyday dirt may also contain chemicals and bacteria. By washing both your hands and face often, you can make sure these substances do not come into contact with your eyes.
Since cosmetics often contain chemicals, care should be taken to avoid touching the surface of the eye during their application and removal.
While taking the appropriate steps to protect your eyes, you may also want to make changes towards a healthier diet. Eating fruits and vegetables can be especially beneficial to your eyes as well as to your overall health. Studies suggest that Vitamins C, A, folic acid, selenium and zinc help slow down age-related eye conditions.
As people become increasingly more health-conscious, it is important to remember the importance of the eyes for one’s overall well being. By taking simple steps to protect your eyes and provide them with essential nutrients, you can help improve your chances of having good eyesight far into your later years.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
All About Vision
Glaucoma Research Foundation
WebMD
Virtual Medical Centre