These days, everyone wants to improve their health. That's why there are so many claims of miracle cures and "breakthrough" remedies. When it comes to our eyesight, developing healthy habits is the best approach. The true miracle cure is that of prevention, and your lifestyle can determine how well your eyes perform both now and in the future.
So what are some things you can do to start developing healthy habits? We're glad you asked!
Do:
- Do get into the habit of washing your hands after contact with others and public spaces. This will help you avoid many acute illnesses that are being passed around - from the common cold to pink eye.
- Do wear your sunglasses or a protective hat. Damage from UV rays (both UV-A and UV-B) usually happens over time, so the prevention of eye injuries from the sun is a benefit that comes only from developing healthy habits.
- Do make regular checkups with your eye doctor a priority. Early detection means early treatment (and usually reversal) of treatable eye diseases that otherwise would be disastrous.
- Do get enough sleep. Those puffy eyes may not only be unsightly but could also indicate a need for more shuteye. Lack of sleep can also result in dry eyes since your cornea isn't being completely replenished.
Don't:
- Don't ignore eye protection when working with chemicals, doing yard work, or playing sports. That little voice that warns you of hazards is usually right.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke, ask your doctor for resources to help you quit.
- Don't forget your vitamins. When you're deficient in just one vitamin or mineral, the others don't work together the way they should. So do your best to stay balanced. Set a daily reminder if you need to.
- Don't stay sedentary all day. Not only can working at a desk mean less physical activity, it can also contribute to eye strain. Get up to move around every 15 minutes, and when you're at the office, take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you can't get away from your desk, do a few eye exercises to avoid eye strain.
"There is no influence like the influence of habit." -Gilbert Parker
Even if you implement just one of these items this week, you'll be better off in the long run. Work on another one next week, and so on. Small gradual changes are more likely to persist over time, and that's what will make a big contribution to a healthy future.
The problem with healthy habits is that they're hard to establish. The good news however, is that once you've made a switch in one area or another, it can be permanent. In fact, your brain changes when you learn a new habit, so you don't have to keep exerting energy to make those good choices. Over time, they'll come naturally.
For questions or comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
