2nd February 2023
How to look after your eyes
If you're a glasses wearer, you'll know the importance of looking after your eyes. You'll probably be reminded by your optician to wear your prescription glasses, as well as the importance of frequent eye tests. Glasses wearer or not, however, it's essential you take care of your eyes!
Your eyes are one of the most important tools you've got, allowing you to see the world around you. Giving your eyes the appropriate amount of TLC means they'll always be there to see you through life's adventures!
Whether you can't get away from the screen, you're an outdoor adventurer or you're just looking for tips to keep your eyes healthy, you'll find lots of information and inspiration here.
Here are some of the best ways you can do it.
1. The 20/20/20 Rule
Do you ever suffer from eyestrain or eye fatigue after prolonged screen time or other close-up tasks? For every 20 minutes of close work, you should take a break and look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. Taking these regular breaks allows the eyes to rest, relax and refocus, reducing the strain on the eye muscles and focusing system. The 20/20/20 rule helps to reduce symptoms such as headache, fatigue, blurred vision, and dry eyes.
2. Wear sunglasses
We know we should be wearing our sunglasses in the summer to block the sun, however the sun’s UV rays can be damaging all year round. Don’t forget, our sunglasses offer 100% UV protection so are great to block any rays and prevent permanent damage that can be done from looking into the sun. Plus, they make the perfect accessory for your winter and summer outfits.
3. Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy diet, making sure that you are getting enough sleep and staying hydrated will improve your overall health (including your eyes). Eating a diet with plenty of fruit and veg, nuts and whole grains is a great way to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need for good eye health. As well as this, sleeping between 7-8 hours a night and staying hydrated will keep your eyes feeling refreshed and healthy. Our eyes need rest just as much as we do!
4. Protect your eyes
If you need prescription glasses, wear them- this can avoid eye strain! Also, if you're doing certain activities like sports, or using tools- or even if you're just a hazard in the kitchen!- wearing protective gear is crucial to avoid injury.
5. Regular eye tests
Eye tests can help you spot changes in your vision and detect changes in your eye health early enough to treat them. They can detect a whole host of things, from high blood pressure to diabetes, infections and more. Getting your eyes checked is really important for your overall health!
Changes in your sight become more common as you get older, so it is important to get your eyes checked so you can be given new prescription glasses if you need them, or get new glasses if your prescription changes. Not wearing glasses can cause headaches and eye strain, so it's good to catch this before these symptoms appear.
Eye tests also mean you can visit your favourite eyewear brand (not mentioning any names...) in store or online. You can either refresh the IOLLAs you've got with your new prescription, or even upgrade your look so you're always on trend.
