Ten Habits to Promote Healthy Eyes and Vision | Healthy Vision Month

It's not uncommon to take your eyesight for granted until you have a problem. However, healthy eyes and good vision play a role in your day-to-day functioning and your overall wellness.

July is Healthy Vision Month. It’s a good opportunity to consider the steps and habits we can adopt to promote healthy eyes. 
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Healthy eye habits 

Healthy vision means that you can see clearly and that your eyes are functioning properly. Some risk factors for vision problems may be out of your control, such as family history and age. However, there are several habits you can develop to help maintain your eye health and promote good vision. Consider the habits below.

Don't wear your contact lenses to sleep. Unless your contact lenses are specifically designed for extended wear while sleeping, take them out before going to bed. Wearing contact lenses overnight can increase the risk of dry eyes and irritation, as well as infection.

Wear sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses is one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes from excessive UV exposure. Exposure to ultraviolet light may increase your risk of certain eye diseases. It can also increase your risk of skin cancer around your eyes. Don't let cloudy days fool you. UV rays penetrate the clouds, so wear sunglasses anytime you're outside during the daylight.

Avoid rubbing your eyes too vigorously. Rubbing your eyes too vigorously may lead to a scratched cornea. If you feel like you have some dust or small particles in your eye, flush it out with clean water instead of rubbing it.

Eat an orange-colored vegetable or fruit daily.  Orange-colored fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and apricots, are good sources of vitamin A. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, your retina needs vitamin A to function optimally.

Drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water may help with tear film production, reducing the risk of dry eyes. It's also beneficial for overall health, including eye health. The exact amount of water to drink varies depending on your activity level, size, and the climate you're in. According to Harvard Health, the average healthy male should drink approximately 15.5 cups of water per day, and the average healthy female should drink about 11.5 cups.

Wash your hands often. It may seem like a no-brainer, but washing your hands often can reduce the risk of eye infections. Wash your hands before handling your contacts and applying and removing eye makeup.

Exercise on most days of the week. Exercise is beneficial for your overall well-being. It can also reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. These diseases may increase the risk of eye-related complications.

Get regular eye exams. Routine eye exams can identify problems early. This includes conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. The earlier treatment starts, the more likely you are to slow the progression of these diseases to preserve your vision.

Wear eye protection. Be sure to wear eye protection if you're using equipment that may lead to flying projectiles or debris. It's also important to get in the habit of using eye protection for playing certain types of sports that risk eye injury, such as racquetball.

Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Your body repairs itself during sleep, healing injured tissues. Good sleep also gives your eyes a chance to rest. Create a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool, which helps promote a deeper sleep. Try to maintain a consistent sleep-wake cycle, which also helps ensure quality sleep.

Adopting many of the habits above helps promote healthy eyes and good vision. It is also beneficial for your overall well-being. Implementing even small changes consistently can go a long way in protecting your eyes. 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.