Resolutions for Better Vision and Eye Health

The beginning of a new year is a good time to review the different areas of our lives and look for ways to achieve a better version of ourselves. Among the most popular New Year’s resolutions is taking better care of one’s health. Oftentimes, this means engaging more in physical activities or changing their diet. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with these goals. But remember that being healthy is not just about having a fit body. It means taking good care of every part of your body—including your eyes. 

It’s not uncommon for eye health to take a back seat. So if you haven’t been paying much attention to your vision and eye health lately, this might be a good time to start looking after your eyes. Below are some resolutions that you can make to ensure your eyes are given proper care this year.

Wear Eye Protection

Whenever working in your yard using lawn equipment or power tools, make sure to wear protective glasses. These will reduce the risk of eye injury caused by projectile-flinging equipment.

If you’re into sports like lacrosse, racquetball or ice hockey, eye protection is crucial in preventing eye injury. Generally, helmets with protective face masks and sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses are your best bet. To ensure a good fit and adequate eye protection, make sure to talk to your optician.

Wear Your Sunglasses

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are not only harmful to your skin; they can also cause damage to your eyes. So if you’ll be outdoors for several hours, make sure to wear sunglasses that can effectively block UV rays. Even if it’s cloudy, you should still wear your sunglasses. Also, never look at the sun directly—this is especially bad for your eyes. 

Properly Handle and Store Your Contact Lenses

Several eye diseases can be passed on from hand to eye. Avoid touching your eyes if you haven’t washed your hands yet. Also, make sure to wash your hands before removing or handling your contact lenses. This will help you avoid eye infections, which can cause long-term damage to your eyes.

Below are a few other things that you should keep in mind when handling and storing your contacts:

• Never reuse your contact lens solution.

• Never use an expired contact lens solution.

• Avoid using your contacts for extended periods. 

• Clean your contact lens case regularly.

• If your contact lens falls on the floor, counter or sink, thoroughly clean it before using it. 

See an Eye Doctor

Get an eye exam regularly. Your eyes should be checked every one to three years depending on your age and medical history. A lot of eye problems can be prevented if they are caught early by a professional. And if you already have an existing eye condition, regular visits to your eye doctor will help you manage it and keep it from worsening quickly.

Let Your Eyes Rest

Give your eyes time to rest. You can do this by:

• Limiting Screen Time. Smartphones, laptops and TVs are probably a big part of your everyday life. It can be a challenge to cut back your screen time if your work involves a lot of computer time. In this case, make sure to at least take breaks from looking at screens so that your eyes can rest. Spending too much time in front of screens can cause you to blink less frequently, which can make your eyes dry, red and itchy. If you’re using your phone or laptop late at night, adjust the brightness of the screen. Staring at bright screens in dim light can lead to eye strain.

• Getting Enough Sleep. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Sleep is very important for your eyes because this is the ultimate opportunity for your eyes to rest. If you don’t get enough sleep, your eyes may become puffy, twitchy, red or itchy.

Eat Eye-Healthy Food

Eat a balanced diet. Make sure your meals include food that is good for the eyes, such as:

• Fish that are high in omega-3 (e.g. salmon and tuna)

• Leafy greens that contain lutein (e.g. kale, spinach, collard greens)

• Whole grains containing B vitamins (e.g. barley and quinoa)

• Bell peppers and citrus fruits for vitamin C

• Nuts and seeds containing omega-3 and protein

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Itchy eyes are annoying, but do your best to restrain yourself from rubbing your eyes as this will only make the problem worse. Rubbing your eyes may put unnecessary pressure on them and could even lead to an eye scratch. If your eyes are really itchy, you can use a cold compress to relieve the irritation. If you feel that there is something irritating your eyes, you can flush your eyes gently with water or go to an eye doctor.

Quit Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of vision loss as a person ages. If you’ve been smoking for many years, you may not notice it or be bothered by it anymore, but cigarette smoke can cause serious eye inflammation. Over time, your vision may decline. If you are having trouble quitting, consider asking your doctor for tips.

Avoid Risky Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures like iris tattooing and lid lifts may enhance your physical features, but these come with risks that could be particularly dangerous for your eyes. Try to reassess the benefits of such procedures. Most likely, they aren’t worth the risk. Also, if you like using cosmetic contacts, make sure to only purchase those that have been approved by your optometrist. Wearing contacts that aren’t approved by eye specialists can cause serious harm. 

Manage Your Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

High blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar and high cholesterol can affect your circulatory system. With a reduced efficiency, it can cause your eyes to receive insufficient blood flow. Eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or blurry vision may develop.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Downtown Eyes is a trusted eye specialist with years of experience providing quality care and first-class services. We have the expertise for various eye care needs such as eye examination, contact lens fittings, and treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and more. You can count on our doctors and staff to be friendly and welcoming, making sure that you feel at ease during your appointment.

Apart from providing eye care services, we also offer a wide range of high-quality, affordable frames to suit various styles and tastes. When you visit our clinic, you can expect an approachable and knowledgeable staff to help you select the best frames. Rest assured that we’ll consider your needs and preferences when offering recommendations. At Downtown Eyes, you can rest assured you’ll receive excellent eye care and quality eyewear products.

Call (612) 333-EYES (3937) or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.