OUR eye health is affected not just by genetics, but also by our lifestyle. As the only writer in the family, I’m also the only one who perennially suffers from dry eyes, and the only one who started to wear glasses at a young age. It did not take two and two for me to deduce why. Constant writing, reading, and exposure to computers and cellphones were the probable reasons.
In the midst of online entertainment and communication in our world that is becoming more digitized by the minute, it is our eyes that take the brunt of it all. We do our school and work-related activities on the computer. We watch movies and series on our laptops or phones. We never forget to check updates on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. But do we remember to check how our eyes are doing too?
Poor eye sight, dry eyes, and eye strain are just byproducts of the things that we do, but it’s something that we can prevent, without having to sacrifice doing the things we love or what we do for a living.
Tips to maintain eye health:
• The 20-20 rule
For every twenty minutes that you spend staring at the screen of your laptop or computer, look away and stare at another object for twenty seconds.
• Remember to blink
We tend to forget to blink when we are so enamored by what we are watching on screen. Be more mindful and remember to blink to prevent eye strain.
• Wear anti-radiation eyeglasses
Head to your trusted eyewear specialist and get a new pair of anti-radiation eyeglasses, or upgrade your current lens for a multicoated one.
• Take multivitamins + lutein
Vitamins are not just beneficial for our skin, hair and health, but for our eyes too. Vitamins A, C, E, B vitamins and lutein help maintain eye health. Lutein in particular helps the eyes filter harmful blue light, thus protecting it from damage.
• Fish oil (omega 3)
Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable. Taking fish oil once a day can help decrease the discomfort by bringing back moisture to your eyes.
• Close your eyes, take a nap
Give your eyes a chance to rest a few times throughout the day. Sit, close your eyes, or take a nap. It is especially important to get enough sleep.
Invest in multivitamins, lutein vitamins, and fish oil too. These have helped a lot in decreasing and preventing my eyes from eye strain and dryness. Take care of your eyes – it’s the only pair that you have. In this highly connected digital world, take the time to “disconnect” from your devices and give your eyes the rest that it deserves.