It’s almost the New Year, which means many people are writing out their resolutions and looking forward to positive changes in 2018. And for many people, that includes taking better care of their health.
And did you know that by incorporating better self-care habits into your daily routine you can actually improve the health of your eyes? Here are five essential self-care habits that can improve the health of your eyes:
- Maintain a well-balanced diet
In many ways, your eye health is influenced by what you put on your plate. By eating foods that are rich in omega 3’s, zinc, and vitamin C you could possibly ward off many common eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. So fill up on those dark, leafy greens, salmons, and nuts — your eyes will thank you for it.
- Don’t leave the sunglasses at home
Almost everyone is aware of how harmful the sun is for your skin but did you know that it’s bad for your eyes too? Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your corneas, cause certain types of cancer, and increase your risk of developing cataracts.
So keep getting that fresh air and vitamin D but bring along your sunglasses and a hat as well.
It’s no secret that screens have taken over our lives in many ways. And the contrast and glare of a screen can be very hard on your eyes and cause something called eye strain.
To protect your eyes from eye strain, try to keep all electronic devices at least an arm’s length away. And if you spend your days working on a laptop, giving your eyes regular breaks.
- Take care of your contacts
If they aren’t properly cared for, contacts can be a breeding ground for bacteria and cause harmful eye infections. Make sure you store your contacts safely and never moisten them with anything other than contact solution.
Always take them out before naps or bedtime and try to periodically give your eyes a break by wearing glasses.
- Don’t skip your yearly eye exams
We can’t overestimate the importance of yearly eye exams! Even if you don’t use prescription eyewear, you should still have a yearly dilated eye exam. Your San Jose eye doctor will check your overall eye health and look for signs of common eye diseases.
To schedule your yearly eye exam simply contact one of our many locations throughout California today!
