We know we should protect our skin from the sun, but what about protecting our invaluable yet vulnerable eyes? Air pollutants, computer screens, UV light, smoke, dust, and chemicals can irritate and damage the delicate layers of the eye, while nutrient deficiencies and aging can contribute to progressive eye and vision problems. Fortunately, there are proactive steps that we can take to preserve and protect our windows to the world for many years to come.
Sunglasses
The sun’s ultraviolet radiation can not only burn our skin, it can have a major effect on the health of our eyes. Consistently wearing sunglasses with complete protection against both UVA and UVB rays is an easy and effective way to protect them against sun damage. Don’t forget to sport your shades on cloudy days as well as sunny ones, and on sun-reflecting snow as well as on the beach. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat with a brim for added sun protection since sunglasses usually have gaps where ultraviolet rays can sneak in.
Eye-Nourishing Nutrients
We’ve all heard that carrots are good for our eyes, but there are many more eye supporting nutrients out there that can improve our eyesight and help prevent the onset of long-term vision problems. Free lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, and crocins are all powerful carotenoid antioxidants that actively nourish and defend our eyes. Eye Protector® has all of these among its 17 potent extracts and concentrates. It’s truly the most comprehensive supplement for maintaining healthy vision and eyes.
Of course, good health including good eye health starts with the food we eat. Green leafy veggies like kale, spinach and chard, dark berries like elderberry and bilberry, and fish like salmon and tuna that provide omega-3 fatty acids are all great for our peepers. A diet that's high in fruits and veggies also helps us maintain a healthy weight, which is associated with upholding metabolic balance to provide optimal bloodflow to the eyes.
Hydrate
It’s incredible how the simple act of drinking enough water is key to keeping most of our body’s systems functioning at peak performance. This goes for our eyes too. Dehydration hampers our body from producing enough tears which can lead to dry eye and other vision problems. Staying hydrated all day long ensures the production of adequate fluid for flushing out toxins and overall normal eye function. Dry eyes can also result from aging, certain medical conditions, or environmental factors such as smoky or windy conditions. In this case, preservative-free eye drops can feel great and provide relief.
Don’t Rub Your Eyes
If you experience eye irritation from pollen, airborne pollutants, or sitting in front of a computer for too long, you may be tempted to give them a good rub. Think twice, and remember the last time you washed your hands first! Dirty hands can transfer harmful organisms to your sensitive sockets that can make things worse. Make sure your hands are nice and clean before putting on and taking out contact lenses too.
Monitor Your Monitor
Too much screen time can cause eyestrain, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and even headaches and neck stiffness. Remember the 20-20-20 rule rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It's also a great idea to get up from your desk at least every 2 hours and take a longer break.
Make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date and tailored for looking at a computer screen. Keep your monitor at least 20 inches from your eyes and move the screen so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This lets you look slightly down at the screen. Avoid glare from ceiling lights, windows, and computers. If you still feel eye strain, a pair of computer glasses might do the trick. These special spectacles have an anti-reflective coating to help reduce glare and a tint that helps increase contrast for easier viewing.
