10 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes

Posted on: Dec 6, 2022 | | Written by:

10 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes

Published on December 06, 2022. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

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The evolution of technology has benefitted us in many ways, but there have been some downsides as well. Excessive use of mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets has increased screen time by a notable percentage, leading to obesity, mental health issues, back pain and vision problems. When it comes to vision problems, digital eye strain, red eyes and blurred vision have become quite common. These issues have resulted in a notable increase in the number of eye surgeries in the past few years.

Since health issues, including those related to the eyes, can happen at any time, always keep adequate health insurance policies handy for yourself and your family. Most medical insurance plans in India cover non-cosmetic eye procedures as well. So, you can easily opt for cashless treatment at network hospitals if need be.

Risk Factors for Eye Conditions

Some common risk factors for eye disorders are:

1. Age:

Certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and dry eyes, become more common with age. Hence, people over 40 years of age must go for a comprehensive eye examination annually to keep a check on their overall eye health. This will help in the early diagnosis of eye conditions and their timely treatment.

2. High blood pressure:

High blood pressure or hypertension can cause certain changes to the blood vessels of the retina and lead to vision problems. Hence, a yearly or by-yearly vision examination is important. Hypertension can also worsen other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

3. Diabetes:

People with diabetes must opt for an annual eye examination, even if they are not experiencing any vision problems. Diabetes can cause vision loss and blindness in adults, so early detection of eye conditions through regular examinations is important. Laser treatments and injections can help rectify certain eye conditions if they are detected early. Since cataracts and other vision problems are common among diabetics, having medical insurance can help meet the treatment expenses.

4. Family history of eye condition:

People with a family history of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye diseases are at a higher risk of developing the same. Hence, regular eye screenings and day-to-day eye care are important in such cases. Keeping health insurance policies handy is also important in such cases.

Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

The following are some simple tips that can help you maintain good eye health.

1. Consume a balanced diet:

A balanced diet rich in important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy and prevent vision issues. Make it a point to consume foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help alleviate the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, eggs and tuna and salmon fish are some healthy options for your eyes.

2. Sleep well at night:

Sleep replenishes natural tears in the eyes and keeps them healthy and hydrated. Hence, when you sleep well, you will not experience some common eye conditions, such as twitchy eyelids, tired strain and dry eye syndrome. Sleep also soothes the eyes and helps them recover from the strains of everyday life.

3. Use protective eyewear:

Whenever you are stepping out in the sun, wear sunglasses offering UVA and UVB protection to guard your eyes against harmful sunrays. Exposing your eyes to UV radiation for long hours can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts.

4. Wear prescription glasses:

If you have prescription glasses, wear them regularly to prevent eye strain and headaches. These glasses can help you see clearly, so your eyes don’t have to work harder.

5. Exercise regularly:

Regular exercise can benefit different organs in our body, including the eyes. When you exercise regularly, you are at a lower risk of suffering from different conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. People suffering from one or more of these conditions are at a higher risk of eye diseases, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

6. Avoid smoking:

Smoking tobacco can cause numerous conditions, including vision problems. Hence, you must avoid both active and passive smoking. Studies have shown that smoking damages the optic nerves and increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome and diabetic retinopathy.

7. Screen breaks are important:

Even if you have a job that requires you to stare at the mobile or computer screen for long hours, remember to take screen breaks every 20 minutes. According to experts, you must follow the 20/20/20 rule to keep your eyes healthy. When you are using the screen, make it a point to look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. This can help prevent eye strain, headaches, dry eyes and other associated conditions.

8. Check your cosmetics:

Using eye makeup products beyond their expiry date can be bad for your eyes. Hence, make sure you replace your eye makeup and brushes often to avoid eye infections and other conditions.

9. Go for regular eye screenings:

This is important for timely detection and treatment of eye conditions. An annual vision screening is imperative for those over 40 years of age to ensure healthy eyes and better vision. During an eye examination, the eye doctor will check your eye alignment, eye movement and vision accuracy. They will also check for signs of different eye conditions, such as glaucoma and cataract.

10. Do not ignore vision changes:

In case you experience vision changes, such as double or hazy vision, poor vision at night and sudden flashes of light, book an eye test without delay. Red or sore eyes and inflamed eyelids should not be ignored either.

Conclusion

Our eyes are among the most complex organs that require good care to reduce the odds of vision loss or blindness. Hence, make sure you reduce screen time and take good care of your eyes to prevent associated conditions. Also, take family or individual health insurance policies for yourself and your loved ones and stay prepared for medical emergencies. Most medical insurance plans cover day-care procedures as well, such as cataract surgeries. Hence, health insurance helps you opt for timely and quality treatment without fretting about the bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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