Maintaining your eye health is crucial for overall health, but it can be challenging to determine what actually makes a difference. Many misconceptions regarding eyesight exist. You could have heard from your mother that it's terrible for your eyes to watch television while you're too near to it. It has been proven that being close to a television does not harm your eyes. However, if you're that close to the TV, it would be worthwhile to visit an eye doctor to get your eyes tested for nearsightedness.
It's a good idea to get your eyes tested often even if your eyesight is perfect. An eye exam may ensure that everything is operating as it should, similar to an annual physical with your primary care physician.
Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to help preserve your vision for the long term.
Do eat your carrots.
Your leafy greens, too. Both are abundant in carotenoids, a substance necessary for clear vision. You won't suddenly get 20/20 vision if you eat these vegetables, so they don't really help you see better. But they do contribute to the healthy function of your cornea, the clear membrane that shields your eyes from bacteria and grit. This will not only assist to safeguard your eyes now, but research has shown that eating a diet high in carotenoids can help prevent macular degeneration as you age.
Don’t smoke.
There are many reasons why it's a poor habit, but in this case, we're talking about eyesight. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and damage to the optic nerve have all been linked to smoking.
Do wear your sunglasses.
Sunglasses are much more than just a style accessory. UV rays can seriously harm your eyes at any time of year. According to the National Eye Institute, UV radiation has been linked to macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Furthermore, it is estimated that prolonged sun exposure causes 20% of cataracts.
However, not all sunglasses are created equal. Your glasses may make it easier for you to see in the sun, but that doesn't imply they're shielding you from dangerous light. Look for sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays when choosing your next pair.
Don’t sleep in your contact lenses.
Please refrain from doing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that using contact lenses while sleeping raises your risk of developing an eye infection by six to eight times, despite the FDA having authorized some types of lenses for nighttime wear.
Do adjust the lighting on your electronic devices.
Nowadays, LEDs often referred to as light-emitting diodes, are found in your phone, computer, and television. The 400–490 nanometer-range "blue light" that electronics emit appears to interfere with your sleep cycle. Some experts believe that extended exposure to blue light can also damage the light receptors in your eyes. According to other studies, blue light disrupts restful sleep.
Learn more tips to get to sleep faster.
Downloadable filters like f.lux and Blue Light Filter are available to minimize blue wavelengths if your job requires prolonged screen time. Additionally, a lot of laptops and smartphones now have an option called Night Shift or Night Mode that changes the display's color temperature to warmer ones as it gets dark outside.
In that same spirit…
Don’t stare at your computer screen for long periods of time.
While the screen itself isn’t necessarily bad for you, extended exposure to any form of light, blue or otherwise, can cause eyestrain and macular degeneration in the long term. The 20-20-20 rule is advised by the CDC: every 20 minutes, glance 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Your eyes can rest and recalibrate as a result.
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