How to Improve Your Eye Care Routine

Are you looking after your eyesight?

Our eyesight is one of the things that we take for granted the most when it comes to our health. But around 76% of Americans need vision correction. It’s not enough to go to the opticians once a year, you have to do your part at home too. But it isn’t easy with a busy schedule and a family to look after.

Don’t worry, we can help make it simpler! Keep reading for our guide on how to improve your eye care routine to keep your eyesight clear.

Don’t Skip Your Annual Eye Check-Up

One of the best tips for eye care we can give you is to go to your annual check-ups. They are for everyone, not only those with vision impairments already. It’s the best way to keep on top of your eye health and spot any changes.

During the exam, the doctor will ask about your medical history of genetic illnesses. They will also assess your current level of vision, and whether you need glasses or not. They will also run a few simple tests to look for diseases and illnesses like glaucoma.

Other things they look for include:

• Detached retinas
• Flashes & floaters
• Cataracts

All can harm your health and point towards larger issues. Early discovery and treatment are key to keeping your eyes healthy. If needed, your doctor can refer you for specialist surgeries and care.

Keep Your Prescription Up to Date

Another important tip for your eye health is keeping your prescription up to date. If your vision changes, you could make things worse if you don’t honor that new prescription.

By changing your lenses when told to, you will give your eyes less strain. This is especially important if you’ve been noticing spotty vision or getting headaches. Not having the right prescription can lead to migraines too, which can be debilitating.

Let Your Eyes Have a Break

If you’re working in an office, you likely spend 7+ hours a day staring at your computer all day. On top of this, you likely have a smartphone, or like to watch tv when you get home.

Looking at monitors and screens for long periods of time can strain your eyes and cause other issues. To improve your eyesight, make sure you’re giving your eyes a break.

This is especially the case if you get eye pain, headaches, or sensitivity to screen light. Taking a break is simple, take a bathroom break, go for a short walk or grab a drink.

Keep a Lifestyle That’s Healthy

If you want to improve eyesight and eye health, improve your lifestyle. Not only does being healthy help your eyes, but it also helps your whole body.

Focus on getting enough exercise and improving your mental health to start with. This is where your annual physical exam is important, to get an overview of your current state of health.

During your physical, the doctor checks your blood pressure, vitals, and your weight. This will give you a starting point for improvements you can make under their direction.

Not all eye diseases start at the eyes. For example, keeping a healthy body can help prevent illnesses like glaucoma. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be a chore anymore either. With plenty of delicious recipes out there, and fun activities to get stuck into, it’s easier than ever.

Protect Your Eyes

During the summer months the sun is hotter, brighter and can cause us more harm. This is why wearing sunglasses and hats is essential. These are the two best ways to protect your eyes from damage.

When you’re choosing sunglasses, make sure they block close to 100% UVB and UVA radiation. You also want to keep a hat in your car or purse so you have easy access to it while out and about.

If you wear glasses, invest in a good pair of prescription sunglasses. The right ones can help take the strain off your eyes while out enjoying the hot, sunny days.

Also, if you work in a job with harsh chemicals or debris, make sure you use the right protective glasses. It’s important you keep your eyes safe in the workplace, as accidents can lead to damage. In the worse case, this can result in permanent blindness.

Clean Your Case and Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts instead of glasses, this is an essential tip. Make sure you always wash your hands before touching your eyes or lenses. This reduces the chance of germs getting into your eyes.

Make sure you’re using new solution and you wash your contact case each day too. This is also vital for keeping out any nasty bacteria. If you see rips or dirt, replace the lenses immediately. This will reduce the chance of tears, painful eyes, and infections.

Know Your Family’s Eye Health History

There are over 350 eye diseases that can pass down in the family. This includes glaucoma, night blindness, and color blindness. Make sure you talk with your family to find out if anyone has eye issues.

This way, you will learn what hereditary diseases might have a chance to affect you in the future. The more you know, the better prepared you can be. Your doctor can also help guide you on the right eye care routine to try to prevent these issues from occurring.

So, once you know about your family’s eye health, make sure you tell your eye doctor. Your annual eye check-up is the perfect chance to ask any questions you might have.

Get the Right Amount of Sleep

Going to sleep at a time that gives you a full night’s rest will help your eyes rest too. They’ll feel less dry and strained, and you will have less of that “heavy-lidded” feeling in the morning.

For adults ranging between 18-64 years of age, you should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you achieve this not only will your eye thank you, but your body too. You’ll have better concentration and feel ready to face a new day.

Eye Care Tips You Won’t Want to Miss

So, there you have it! Now you know these top eye care tips you’re well on the way to better eye health.

It’s important that you take care of your body, not only your eyes. This is because some eye diseases start with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. Make sure if you use screens a lot, you give your eyes a break too. Keep up with annual check-ups and always wash your hands before touching your face and eye area.

If you found this article helpful, check out our blog for more. At Cedar Park Vision, we have advice and tips to help with all your eye health needs.