The eyes are the most important sense organ, as up to 80% of all impressions are perceived by sight. Loss of eyesight will therefore have a major effect on our overall functioning and quality of life. Areas of our lives affected by reduced vision will be everything from daily activities like taking out the trash, to driving a car, and performing our occupation. It is also interesting to note that very few people can perform their normal job without their sight. Keep reading below to learn why it is important to take care of our eyes.
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So, Why Is It Important To Take Care Of Our Eyes?
Of all the senses, our eyes best protect us from danger. Our peripheral vision warns us of anything coming our way. Whether we are walking or driving, eyesight is important! And our vision also keep us from walking into door frames or stumbling over things on the ground. Not having the best eyesight can clearly puts us in danger every day.
Many things can cause a loss of sight. Regular eye deterioration can often be rectified by operations or spectacles. Many other causes of sight loss or partial loss of sight can not be easily treated so taking care of our eyes is important. Our eyes are also one of the most fragile organs. Just think how easy it is to damage an eye versus most other parts of our bodies. The eye is an amazingly specialized optical sensor. This complexity also makes your eyes quite vulnerable. That is why good eye care should be taught from a young age. Certain physical damage to young eyes can severely affect the learning and developmental processes of a young child.
[Read: How Can You Take Care of Your Family’s Health?]
Different Ways of Taking Care of Our Eyes
Sunglasses
Wearing quality sunglasses when outside will help protect your eyes. Make sure you buy sunglasses that block harmful UV light from the sun. Blocking harmful UV light is a proven way to protect your eyes. Check the UV rating of sunglasses before you buy.
Protective Glasses
Wearing protective glasses in potentially harmful situations is key to protecting your eyes from foreign objects. Good quality sunglasses will also protect you from debris like dust and small objects when running or cycling. Check the impact rating of any sport-specific glasses. You can also get clear or almost clear glasses for cycling and running in low-light conditions.
Protective glasses are also needed when working in potentially hazardous environments. Factories, mines, and many other environments can cause potential damage to your eyes. There are many good quality protective glasses specifically designed for these environments to protect your eyes.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams will include testing and screening for many degenerative eye conditions. They are also meant to pick up on any developing issues. It is important to have regular eye exams to pick up on any issues as early as possible. Eye problems are most treatable when they are picked up early. Deterioration of eyes can also be an indication of other underlying conditions that might need treatment like diabetes.
If you wear glasses or have a family history of eye problems you should have eye exams more often than younger healthy people with no eye issues. Also, remember to take your current prescription glasses with you when you go for an eye exam.
Supplements
Some supplements have been proven to be effective to help maintain healthy eyesight. Speak to your healthcare provider or dietician to find out more about these. Supplements that could help with eyesight include various vitamins, zinc, omega-3, and carotenoids. While supplements might not be effective against specific eye diseases, they can help with overall eye health and might slow normal degeneration with age.
Not Straining Your Eyes
The best way to alleviate strain or your eyes is regular breaks. If you spend long periods looking at screens or books it is a good idea to take regular breaks. Go for a short walk to give your eyes a chance to look at objects further away. Getting enough sleep will also help.
Having the correct prescription glasses is another way to alleviate eye strain. If you wear glasses make sure you have your eyes tested regularly. Also, evaluate the light in your workspace to be sure you have correct and ample luminance. If you are reading or working with small objects good lighting will help your eyes to strain less.
Eye Care is Crucial
Make sure to look after your eyes as they are an immensely important part of our daily functioning. If you have any doubts about your eye health immediately go see a professional. Make sure to also teach young people to look after their eyes. Learning all the ways to look after our eyes will pay off if these habits are formed from a young age.
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