Maintain a Balanced Diet: Fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Choose antioxidant-rich foods including vitamin C, E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, berries, and salmon are good sources.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health of all cells in your body, including those in your eyes. Drinking enough water can prevent dehydration, which may reduce dry eyes and keep the eyes functioning optimally.
Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Regularly cleaning your eyelids can prevent infections like blepharitis and maintain overall eye health. If you wear contact lenses, ensure you handle them properly to avoid infections.
Limit Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to screens can cause digital eye strain. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, ensure your computer screen is at eye level and that you have proper lighting to reduce glare.
Wear Sunglasses: Ultraviolet (UV) light can damage your eyes over time. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays can protect your eyes from sun damage and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye issues.
Exercise Regularly: Physical exercise can improve blood circulation, which improves oxygen levels to the eyes and the removal of toxins.
Get Adequate Sleep: Sleep allows your eyes to fully rest, repair, and recover. Insufficient sleep may weaken your vision, so aim for 7-8 hours per night.
Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and damage to the optic nerve. Quitting smoking can reduce these risks.