8 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyesight: Protect Your Vision for the Future

Previously, the National Guideline on Prevention of Blindness estimated a 0.75% prevalence of blindness in South Africa. However, a recent study by Naidoo et al. reported a 0.90% prevalence of blindness, with cataracts, refractive error, and glaucoma being the leading causes of vision loss in South Africa. (Source: BioMed Central) Maintaining healthy eyesight is vital for everyone, especially for people living in South Africa, where sunlight exposure can be intense, and eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are prevalent. You should follow specific guidelines to maintain optimal eye health and protect your vision. Implementing these tips into your daily routine can help reduce your risk of eye-related issues and keep clear vision for years. Moreover, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with the healthcare provider for regular eye-checkup. And scheduling an online consultation is much easier with Zarcare. But first, scroll through eye specialists’ advice for maintaining healthy eyesight and preserving your sight. Have you ever experienced the discomfort of dry, scratchy eyes after a long day of staring at a computer screen? You’re not alone! These are common symptoms of computer vision syndrome, a temporary condition caused by the glare from screens. Keeping your screen at least 20 inches away from your eyes can help you avoid the strain, discomfort, and light sensitivity of prolonged screen time. So the next time you’re logging in those hours at your computer, remember to give your eyes a break and keep your screen safe. Eyes filter out most, but not all, UV rays. Anything that limits UV exposure to the eye alleviates risk. Sunglasses protect your eyes and also can protect the skin around the eyes. (Source: Columbia University) Don’t let harmful UV rays ruin your vision – protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses. Whether enjoying a sunny day outside or driving during daylight hours, you must shield your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Exposure to these rays can cause damage, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even sunburned eyes. So, grab a pair of shades that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays before you step out. Your eyes will thank you! Do you spend your workdays glued to a computer or tablet screen? If so, you may have noticed that your eyes feel dry and irritated at the end of the day. This is because when we stare at screens, we tend to blink less, which can cause eye strain and discomfort. But fear not; there’s a simple solution recommended by the experts – the 20-20-20 rule! (Source: Medical News Today) Every 20 minutes, take a quick break and look at an object 20 feet away for just 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain and give your eyes a much-needed break from the screen. So, whether you’re a designer, a gamer, or just someone who spends a lot of time on the computer, set a timer to remind yourself to take a break and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Are you a seafood lover? If not, you may be missing out on a key ingredient for healthy eyes – omega-3 fatty acids! (Source: National Library of Medicines) These essential fatty acids are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. Not only do they lower the risk of dry eyes, but they can also reduce the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. But fear not; if seafood isn’t your thing, there are other options! You can still get your omega-3 fix by taking fish oil supplements or trying alternative supplements like black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil. So whether you’re a sushi fanatic or prefer a plant-based diet, include omega-3s in your daily routine for healthy and happy eyes! Did you know you can protect your eyes simply by adding certain foods to your diet? Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, zucchini, peas, avocado, and Brussels sprouts are packed with carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin. According to research conducted by the National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study, these essential pigments have been shown to help prevent the progression of some eye diseases. (Source: National Eye Institute) So if you want to boost your eye health, why not add some delicious and nutritious veggies to your plate? From a zesty kale salad to a savoury broccoli stir-fry, there are plenty of tasty ways to incorporate these eye-healthy foods into your diet. So start eating your greens and protect your precious eyes! Did you know that your overall health can affect the health of your eyes? For example, if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels is crucial for protecting your vision. High blood sugar can lead to serious eye problems, including blindness, if left unmanaged. But here’s the good news – up to 90% of diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented, according to the CDC. (Source: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) So if you’re living with diabetes or have concerns about your blood sugar levels, don’t wait to take action. Instead, contact your healthcare provider and schedule an exam today to ensure your eyes and overall health are in good condition. Then, you can safeguard your vision and live your best life with proper care and attention! When cared for properly, contact lenses can provide a safe and effective way to correct your vision. (Source: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) Good hygiene is essential to keep your eyes healthy and when it comes to your contact lenses. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing contacts, and use a contact lens solution to store your lenses. If you have dry eyes, pay attention to the eye drops you’re using. Look for products that are safe for use with contacts. People who experience frequent irritation can also opt for daily disposable contacts, as they are more comfortable and breathable. Having a backup pair of glasses for days when your eyes need a break from contact is always a good idea. And remember to dispose of any lenses you’ve used while you have an eye infection, like pinkeye. Your eyes are precious; checking them regularly is essential to keep them healthy. In addition, an annual comprehensive eye exam is crucial in identifying early signs of eye problems and can provide valuable insight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, routine exams allow your eye doctor to detect signs of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, brain tumours, aneurysms, and multiple sclerosis. So don’t take your vision for granted. Make sure to schedule a yearly check-up! But in case of emergency or if you are facing prolonged itchiness or dryness in your eyes, consult experienced doctors at Zarcare. Zarcare: Your Solution for Healthy Eyes Are you looking for a reliable solution to your eye-related problems? Try Zarcare today and experience quality eye care from home comfort. Say goodbye to dry eyes, eye strain, and other eye-related issues with Zarcare. Schedule an appointment now and take the first step towards healthier eyes! Protecting your eyesight is vital to maintain good vision for years to come and to detect early signs of eye disease, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. A healthy diet of vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent age-related eye diseases and maintain healthy eyesight. Some signs include blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision, flashes of light, and sudden vision changes. Regular eye exams can help detect early signs of eye disease, monitor vision changes, and allow the eye doctor to recommend maintaining healthy eyesight.How To Maintain A Healthy Eyesight: 8 Tips For Daily Life
1. Keep Screens At a Distance:
2. Wear Sunglasses
3. Rest Your Eyes and Blink Often
4. Add Omega 3 fatty Acids Into Your Diet
5. Optimise Your Diet With More Greens
6. Control Your Blood Sugar
7. Make Sure To Take Care of Your Contact Lenses
8. Schedule a Yearly Eye Exam
Frequently Asked Questions