Vision care and you: Eye care tips everyone should know

Our vision is something that many of us take for granted. The gift of being able to see is something we rarely think about until it's time to visit the optometrist. But taking care of your eyes is just as important as regular exercise, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy balanced diet. So, what can we do to preserve our vision and maintain healthy, happy eyes? 

Read on for eye care tips that everyone should know. 

Visit your optometrist
When was the last time you had an eye test? It's recommended that we visit an optometrist every 1-2 years, depending on our health and other medical conditions. Once you have your prescription, you'll be able to choose a stunning new pair of frames. If you're planning to shop online for your frames then you may want to learn how to read an eye prescription so you can understand what you're ordering and the type of prescription you need. The more up to date your prescription is, the more accurate your lenses will be. Having the right prescription means your eyes won't be strained, you'll be less likely to suffer from migraines and you won't be causing further damage to your vision.  

Wash your hands
If you're someone who rubs their eyes or someone who wears contact lenses then keeping your hands clean is essential. We accumulate a huge amount of bacteria on our hands throughout the day and touching your eyes with dirty hands means directly transferring bacteria into them and increasing the chances of infection. It's not always common but this is one of the ways the flu is passed from person to person! 

Always wear sunglasses
UV rays are incredibly harmful to our retinas and our eye health. And the best way to protect your eyes from these harmful rays is by investing in a good pair of sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Avoid retiring your sunglasses as soon as summer is over, as the sun still emits dangerous, damaging rays even if the temperature is low.

Get plenty of sleep
We all know how irritable and drained we feel after a poor nights' sleep, but did you know that a lack of high-quality sleep can also impact your eye health? A lack of sleep leads to dry, irritated eyes which also means you may struggle to focus. This is particularly dangerous if you're driving or working with heavy machinery.

Antioxidants are your friends
A rich, balanced diet is essential for your overall health. But it's beneficial for your eye health too. Your eyes will benefit from plenty of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish, oranges and citrus fruits, eggs, legumes and nuts and green leafy vegetables. Excessive alcohol consumption can also harm your vision with the likelihood of cataracts and developing macular degeneration greatly increased if you're someone who regularly drinks to excessive levels. Always be mindful of your alcohol consumption! 

Final thoughts…
Looking after your eyes now will ensure you have strong, healthy vision throughout your life. Take these steps now to prolong your vision and your eyes.