A recent study showed that an average U.S. citizen spends an equivalent of 44 years staring at screens. On average, that is 17 hours of screentime per day. In line with this, eye experts remind the public of the importance of taking care of eyesight.
Here are five tips that can be follow to ensure that the eyesight is taken care of by everyone:
Follow a well-balanced diet.
According to eye experts, taking care of eyesight begins with eating food that is good for the eyes. Some of the helpful nutrients that can help lessen vision problems are:
- omega-3 fatty acid,
- lutein,
- zinc,
- vitamin C, and
- vitamin E.
Foods like kale, spinach, salmon, eggs, beans, nuts, citrus fruits, oysters, and pork have the nutrients listed above.
When a person follows a balanced diet, it also lowers the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. These diseases are also causes of blindness in adults.
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Protect the eyes.
When exposed to too much ultraviolet rays (UV rays), chances of having cataracts and muscular degeneration in the eyes are higher. To combat this, a good pair of sunglasses can help.
Also, eyes should be protected when there are hazardous elements that can harm eyesight. Wearing protective goggles can ensure that the eyes will be shielded and protected.
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Limit your screentime
At a time when using gadgets like laptops, tablets, smartphones are like a necessity, the best way of taking care of eyesight is by limiting the screentime.
Too much time spent staring at a screen can cause blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches or neck, back, and shoulder pain.
The 20-20-20 rule could serve as a guide in limiting or managing screen time. This rule means every 20 minutes, a person staring at the screen should look away for 20 seconds. When looking away, the person should be gazing at something that is 20 feet away.
This rule allows the eyes to have some regular breathing space from the screen.
If too much screentime has already caused eye strain that would not go away, computer glasses could help. However, talking to a doctor should be done first.
Drink plenty of water.
When taking care of eyesight, this also means keeping the eyes comfortable. Having dry eyes can make the eyes irritated. To avoid this, drinking plenty of water can help. According to eye experts, water can help the eyes feel more comfortable.
Have your eyes checked
Another way of taking care of eyesight is having it checked by eye experts when necessary. This step will not only help in addressing the overall eye health but also help prevent diseases like glaucoma. This disease has no symptoms and can be treated easier if discovered early.
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