Top Ten Tips For Healthy Eyes

As humans, we depend on our sense of sight above all other senses. Having a healthy eyesight is very important for many people. Luckily, it’s easy to keep eyes healthy and in top shape. At the Beverly Hills Medical Center of Kuwait, we came up with ten tips for maintaining healthy eyesight.

1. Get Regular Eye Check-Ups

Getting regular eye checkups may seem obvious, but many people haven’t had an eye exam in the last three years. Eye exams are extremely helpful in diagnosing and treating any diseases or conditions before they become too serious. As a precautionary measure, nothing beats the simplicity nor the effectiveness of eye exams. Doctors recommend that people over the age of 40 should have an eye exam once a year.

2. Wear sunglasses outdoors

Sunglasses work for the eyes like sunblock does for the skin. This applies to children as well. By the time a person becomes 18, he or she has been exposed to 80% of the UV that they will be exposed to in a lifetime! The next time you go outside, don’t forget to protect your eyes the same way you would the rest of your body.

3. Don’t strain your eyes at a computer screen

In this day and age, we are surrounded by screens at all times. Whether it’s spending eight hours a day staring at a computer, looking at our smart phones, or relaxing in front of the television, people are constantly looking at some type of electronic screen. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, look 20 feet away or more for 20 seconds. This helps your eyes take a much needed break from all the close-up work they’re focusing on.

4. Replace your contact lens often

Eye doctors recommend that patients replace their contact lenses every two to three months. Doing so will help prevent bacteria from growing on the lens. Yuck!

5. Be aware of the heat in the air

In the winter, most people crank up their heaters. Though it may warm up the house, this hot, dry air can irritate eyes. When working in dry weather, try using a humidifier to keep the air moist. Your eyes will thank you for it later!

6. Keep the area free of pet hair

We love our pets, but sometimes they can be a little troublesome. Pets can bring in irritants from outside of the house that will irritate the eyes. If you have a cat or dog, be sure to keep the area clean of any fur or dander.

7. Stop smoking

As if you needed another reason to quit smoking! In addition to all the other negative effects it has on the body, smoking increase the risk of cataracts and optic nerve damage. In some extreme cases, heavy smoking can even lead to a complete loss of vision.

8. Be aware of your family history

Eye problems are usually hereditary. If you have a family history of glaucoma or any other type of eye issue, schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Early prevention is the most important part in dealing with any kind of disease, and the eyes are no exception.

9. Eat right

Eating dark leafy greens like spinach and kale is a great way to maintain healthy vision. Studies have also shown that certain fish (salmon, tuna, and halibut) can be beneficial to eyesight as well.

10. Practice eye safety

When working around the house, it’s important to protect your eyes with safety goggles. Though some people may think they look silly, safety googles can protect the eyes from chemicals, wood shavings, and even nails. So the next time you decide to be a handyman around the house, don’t forget to wear a pair of safety goggles!

Call our Eye Surgeons Today

At Beverly Hills Medical Center, our ophthalmologists are experts in treating all conditions of the eye. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our expert eye doctors, contact us today at (965) 222-89999.

Next, read our blog, “The Differences Between LASIK and Femto-LASIK.