Eye care is an important part of your health; although overlooked until a real problem arises. Our eyes never stop working, so protecting them should be interwoven in our daily routine.

Important aspects

One important aspect of eye care is regular eye examinations. A visit to your local optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye specialist surgeon) can help detect the following issues:

• Glaucoma (leading cause of blindness worldwide)
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration (a disease that destroys sharp, central vision in the eye)

The importance of early detection cannot be over-emphasised in preventing vision loss.

Here are ways to take good care of your eyes:

1. Limit screen time

In a digital world, screen time is almost unavoidable. The average person spends about five to eight hours staring at a screen (tablet, cellphone, computer screen), causing irritations such as:

• Eye strain
• Dryness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision

2. Good nutrition

Eating nutritiously aids in healthy vision. Make sure the following are part of your diet:

• Vitamin A, C, E
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Leafy greens
• Carrots
• Fish
• Nuts

3. Eye protection

Avoid harmful UV rays from the sun. Wear sunglasses with proper anti-UV coated lenses whenever you are outdoors; reducing the risk of any long-term damage. Use protective eye-wear in environments such as:

• Dusty places
• Where chemicals are being used / made
• Strong sunlight

Proper hygiene is important for those wearing contact lenses or glasses.

Wash your hands before putting in your contact lenses or touching your eyes. Poor lens care can lead to infections and irritation. Do not wear your contact lenses longer than recommended.

4. Warning signs

Pay close attention to the following warning signs:

• Persistent redness
• Pain
• Sudden vision changes
• Sensitivity to light

These signs could indicate underlying issues that require immediate medical attention.

All in all, taking care of your eyes does not mean a major lifestyle change; it just requires knowledge and common sense.

Good luck as you protect your eyes!

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel