Resolutions can be hard to keep. So instead of giving you more grand goals to add to your list, we’re sharing some easy ways to boost your eye health no matter what month it is.
Get enough H20
When we’re dehydrated, the body stops producing enough tears to properly lubricate the eyes, leading to Dry Eye Syndrome and eye strain. Drinking 8-10 cups of water a day will help to flush the salt out of your body and keep your eyes hydrated
Top tip: You don’t have to drink all that water. Twenty percent of our daily fluid intake comes from water-rich foods, such as courgette, cucumber, celery, watermelon and grapefruit.
Have a digital detox
Don’t worry – you don’t need to go cold turkey. There are lots of small changes you can make to give your eyes the break they need and prevent eye strain, including turning off push notifications or making your bedroom a no-tech zone. And if your job involves long hours in front of a screen, try adopting the 20/20/20 rule (every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away).
Top tip: Track your daily usage with a mobile app. You might be surprised!
Up the antioxidants
Research shows that incorporating a rainbow of fresh fruit and veg into your diet can help protect your eyes from harmful conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Berries, nuts, and leafy greens like kale and chard all have great benefits.
Top tip: Chocoholics, we’ve got good news! Dark chocolate (not the sugary stuff!) is also packed full of antioxidants.
Stay active
You already know that regular physical activity benefits your heart, waistline and energy levels. But did you know that exercise can also reduce the risk of developing serious eye diseases and protect your peepers as you age? Time to dust off those trainers.
Top tip: If the dark mornings are killing your motivation, find a way to bring your workout indoors. Complete a quick floor session in your living room or sign up for a gym class.
Visit the eye doc
Even if you’re blessed with 20/20 vision, it’s recommended that you visit your optician at least once every two years. An eye exam does more than test how well you can see. It can also detect signs of sight-threatening conditions and health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. If you can’t remember the last time you visited the opticians, it might be time to schedule a check-up.
Top tip: If you purchase prescription contact lenses at Lenstore, we’ll cover the cost of your next eye exam.
Don’t forget your sunnies
Long-term exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of cataracts, temporary eye burns, and even skin cancer. And while our sunglasses are usually reserved for warm summer days, sun damage can occur year-round – even on a cloudy day.
Top tip: Invest in a solid pair of shades that block out at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.
For more tips on caring for your eyes, check out more articles in our eye health section.