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There are some health care hacks that everyone knows. Like wear sunscreen to protect your skin, or eating foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals to fuel your body. But do you know that there are seven daily habits that will keep your eyes healthy too.
Daily eye care should be a top priority since you use your eyes all day long according to Self. A little bit of TLC could go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy and strong.
Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Keeping damaging ultraviolet radiation out of your eyes is important even on cloudy days and even during the winter. Wearing sunglasses, specifically those that block 99 to 100 percent of UVB and UVA rays is what you should look for according to the Mayo Clinic. Dark grey lenses are best, just make sure that the lenses are matched in color and do not have any distortions. Also choose glasses that are close fitting or wrap around for the most optimal eye protection.
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Avoid Eyestrain
Anyone who works at a computer for long periods of time or drives long distances are very aware of when their eyes are being overused. That’s because eyes get tired like the rest of your body according to WebMD.
So make sure that your computer monitor is not too close to where you sit and below eye level.
Also adhere to the 20-20-20 rule suggests the Arizona Retinal Specialists. Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer, blink 20 times to prevent eye dryness, plus get out of your seat and take 20 steps to get your blood circulating.
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Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is good for you, including your eyes. Sufficient fluid intake could prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritated. If your eyes do get irritated, avoid rubbing them and always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet that includes lutein, Omega-3, and Lycopene from foods like carrots, spinach, kale, and fish may reduce your risk of eye diseases, according to the American Optometric Association. Vitamin C rich foods could slow the progression of vision loss as you age and vitamin E may protect the cells of your eyes from becoming damaged. All in all, a healthy diet is good for your eyes.
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Proper contact Use
There are some dos and don’ts when wearing contacts like don’t sleep in them. But you should also not shower or swim with them either according to Self. Getting your contacts wet when wearing them can expose your eyes to bacteria and other pathogens.
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Avoid Smoke
Smoking can do much more than just irritate your eyes. Smoking actually makes you more susceptible to macular degeneration and cataracts – a condition that blocks light from getting through your retina – as well as potentially damaging your optic nerves.
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Wear Safety Equipment
Make sure you wear proper eye protection if you work with tools on the job or at home doing DIY projects cautions Self. In the US, 2,000 workers have job-related eye injuries that require medical attention according to OSHA. The best way to prevent this is to wear protective eye gear like goggles, safety glasses, face shields or full-face respirators. Make sure you pick the gear that is appropriate for the task you are doing.
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