Keeping Your Eyes Looking and Feeling Their Best

In addition to maintaining good vision and healthy eyes, most people want their eyes to look and feel their best. However, several things can affect how our eyes look and feel. For example, skimping on sleep, staring at digital devices, and eating unhealthy foods can affect how our eyes look and feel.

The good news is that we can control many of the factors that adversely affect our eyes. Continue reading for tips on keeping your eyes feeling and looking their best. 
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Decrease irritation 

Irritated eyes often look tired and less vibrant. You can help reduce irritation by taking breaks from digital devices to ease eye strain. It is also important to protect your eyes from irritation from ultraviolet light from the sun. Always wear sunglasses that provide protection against 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses do not only protect against UV rays; they also protect your eyes from dust, wind, and other conditions that may irritate the eyes. 

Get the red out 

Most people at least occasionally develop red eyes, which can make you look tired. Consider using eye drops that remove the red, leaving the whites of your eyes looking bright. If you have any type of eye disease, check with your eye doctor before using eye drops to make sure they do not interfere with any prescription drops you currently use.  

Reduce puffy, tired-looking eyes 

We have all been there and stayed up way too late. The next day, your eyes may look puffy and tired. To avoid puffy eyes, there are a few things you can do, such as limiting salt intake and drinking plenty of water, but if the damage is already done, there are other things you can do. For example, applying cold and warm compresses may ease puffiness. Place a warm compress over the eyes for a few minutes to increase blood flow. Follow up by applying a cold compress, which will decrease swelling and puffiness. 

Drink plenty of water 

Staying well hydrated helps your eyes look and feel better. When we are not well hydrated, it can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes. The skin underneath your eyes can also look duller if you are dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep proper moisture levels in the eyes and the skin looking hydrated. 

Easing dry eyes 

Your risk of experiencing dry eyes increases as you age. As you age, you might produce fewer tears. Dry eyes can cause irritation, pain, and redness. The treatment for dry eyes may vary based on the cause. However, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can treat dry eyes by using artificial eye drops, avoiding smoke, and resting your eyes often. 

Taking care of the skin around the eyes 

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on your body. Too much sun and other environmental toxins can damage this delicate skin. Although plenty of eye creams on the market claim to decrease wrinkles, they only temporarily plump the skin. However, keeping the skin well hydrated can help the skin around your eyes look supple and moisturized. Look for an eye cream containing moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and peptides.

We hope the above information provided you with some ideas to keep your eyes feeling and looking good. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.