Our eyes are the window to the world, allowing us to take in colour and movement. So, how can we protect our eyes so that we can continue to see clearly?
According to healthdirect, there are many ways – but we’ve come up with our top 10.
- Wash your hands: Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Simply by washing your hands with warm and soapy water before touching your eyes reduces your chances of getting an infection.
- Avoid allergens: Are you allergic to pollen, dust or fur? Chances are you will be wanting to rub and scratch at your eyes due to the discomfort. If you can, avoid the cause of your reaction and don’t touch your eyes!
- Protect your eyes and avoid looking at the sun: Wearing sunglasses with good UV protection can help protect your eyes from cataracts or aged-related macular degeneration. If you do suffer from allergies, it is also a good idea to wear sunglasses outside to avoid pollen and dust getting into your eyes.
- Don’t share make-up: Avoid sharing make-up, faces washers or towels as this could pass on an infection. Instead, make sure everyone has their own personal items.
- Clean your eyes: If you want to clean discharge away from the eyes, use a cotton wool pad for each eye that has been soaked in water. Gently wipe from the corner of your eye closest to your nose and outwards to prevent an infection ending up in the other eye.
- Use protection: If you work in an environment where there is a risk of getting something in your eye like dust or chemicals, protect your eyes by wearing a face visor or a pair of goggles.
- Screens: Sit at least an arm’s length from your computer screen and don’t hold screens too close to your eyes. It is recommended that you give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes by looking at something in the distance for 20 seconds. Ideally, when using a screen, make sure the room is well lit and there is no reflection on the screen.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking is linked to eye conditions like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and eye irritations. If you need help to quit, call the Quitline on 13 78 48 or talk to your GP.
- Eat healthy food: Leafy green vegetables, omega 3 fatty acids and a good variety of vitamins and minerals can help prevent a range of eye disorders.
- Get your eyes tested: Regular eye tests every two years are recommended by optometrists.
-Information sourced from www.healthdirect.gov.au