The best way to combat any illness is to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place, and the same can be said about eye-related illnesses and injuries. Even after your eyes have difficulties, however, there are still plenty of ways to help take care of them, and all of these methods are important and effective.
Diet
Your eyes, just like any other organ, require plenty of nutrients to function well. Be especially mindful of getting plenty of Vitamin A, minerals like zinc, and antioxidants in your diet for proper eye care. A diet lacking these nutrients can contribute strongly to macular degeneration and xerophthalmia, a condition that can lead to blindness.
Safetywear
When playing sports, working with power tools and doing yard work or household chores, it’s important to remember to protect your eyes. Countless eye injuries occur each year from a simple lack of protection. Remember that eyeglasses are not an adequate guard against debris and chemicals – use proper safety glasses, safety goggles or face shields.
Ultraviolet Exposure
A common cause of many cases of cataracts and macular degeneration is exposure to sunlight’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone take protective measures against UV exposure any time they will be in sunlight long enough to tan or burn. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are both easy and inexpensive ways to help reduce your exposure to UV rays.
Eyestrain
Though experts say that straining your eyes (which is actually a condition of stressing the muscles around the eyes) cannot do any permanent harm, it is still uncomfortable and can lead to red or watery eyes. The best remedy for eyestrain is simply to give your eyes a rest. You can also avoid eyestrain by increasing your reading light or wearing your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
