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The New Year is fast approaching and with it the chance to embrace new ways of living and implement new healthier habits. New Year’s resolutions have existed for centuries and can be traced to the ancient Babylonians who are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. In today’s blog we offer our top ideas on what you can implement to keep your eyes in top shape.
Book your next eye examination
Opticians would recommend that adults get their eyes tested every two years. A regular eye examination can check for changes to your vision, but also detect diseases such as:
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- High blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- In very rare cases, even tumours.
Book an eye test if you notice any changes to your eyesight or if you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you. Your optician can send you a reminder when you are due for your next check-up so that you don’t forget to make an appointment.
Talk to family about their eye health
Make eye health part of your conversations about the family’s medical history, as some eye conditions, like Glaucoma, can be hereditary.
A regular, thorough eye exam will enable your optician be able to check your eye pressure and monitor any changes to the health of your eyes since your last visit..
Make healthier food choices to benefit your eyes
Your eyes will thank you for a healthy diet. The new year is the perfect time to introduce some of our eyes favourite foods. Increase your intake of fruit and veg, especially those leafy greens, and oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, as they all contain nutrients which will give your eye health a boost. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants that can reduce the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma.
Practice healthy hand hygiene
Simple yet effective in protecting you from all kinds of nasties – including eye infections – the health benefits of washing hands regularly should not be overlooked. Especially important if you are a contact lens wearer, ensure your hands are clean before handling lenses or rubbing or touching your eye area.
Reduce screen time
In our always-on culture, many of us spend a large portion of our days staring at screens. Too much screen time can lead to eye strain, with symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches and burning eye causing discomfort. To avoid eye strain, take regular breaks away from your computer or mobile device. Encourage the kids to look away from their devices and follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds!
Quit smoking
As if you needed another reason to stop smoking in the new year, studies show that smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts and age related macular degeneration.
Protect your eyes from the sun
Be smart and wear protective eye wear in high-glare conditions such as snow or sun. Sunglasses protect our eyes from UV light, which can be harmful to the eye, especially for prolonged periods, or as an accumulation over years of exposure. By wearing sunglasses, not only will you protect the fragile skin around your eyes (no thank you, crows feet!), but your eyes too. UV light is still present even on cloudy days, so pick a pair of sunglasses that you love and wear them regularly. If you require a prescription lens, speak to your local optician who can recommend the best sunglasses lenses for your prescription in frames that do not compromise your style.
Our eyes deserve the same care that we dedicate to the rest of our body, so hopefully you have seen just how easy it is to include a promise to your eyes in your new year’s resolutions. All at the OCCS wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
