Have you been rubbing your eyes a lot lately? Are your eyes sensitive to light and watery most of the time? Or does it feel dry and twitchy at times? Your eyes are one of the most delicate organs in your body. Eye health reveals a lot about a person’s lifestyle and no wonder they are called the windows to the soul! Improper habits, a fast lifestyle, and an imbalanced diet are some of the culprits behind weakening eyesight and other eye diseases. In this blog, we will tell you about healthy eye care practices to tackle eye discomforts.
Do you know what the most common mistake is that people make when it comes to eye care? We tend to believe that our eyes are totally fine just because our eyesight is not blurry yet. Adding to the blunder, many people skip doctor’s appointments and periodic eye tests until something major pops up. However, hazy vision is not the only telltale sign of dwindling eye health. Symptoms that seem as ordinary as irritation in the eyes, red eyes, dryness, migraines, and headaches are the reasons for sensitive eyes and dry eye syndrome.
Dryness and lack of lubrication in the eyes are the root causes of aggravated sensitivity. While sensitive and dry eyes do not sound like major eye health issues, they can hamper your day-to-day activities. If your eyes are persistently dry and irritated, here are a few tips to help you alleviate the discomfort:
Our Top Tips to Precent Sensitive Dry Eyes
1) Sun Protection is Must
If your eyes are sensitive to light and watery all day, sun protection should be a priority on your eye care routine. Yes, you read that right! Like your skin, your eyes need sunscreen too. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cloud and discolour the natural eye lens and even cause eye cancer. It can also lead to a painful eye condition known as Photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is a short-term inflammation in the cornea that temporarily damages it. It’s like sunburn but on the eyes. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, who loves sunny days, you might want to get an eye test for Photokeratitis. Wearing protective sunglasses is an excellent way to prevent the harmful effects of UV rays. Avoid staying out in the sun for too long and keep a wide-brim hat or visor cap on.
At The Eye Lab, get polarised sunglasses with 100% UV protection to keep your sensitive eyes shielded from the scorching sun.
2) Maintain Eye Hygiene
Often eye infections occur due to improper eye hygiene. Habits like rubbing your eyes frequently, sharing face towels, and not removing makeup before going to sleep are welcome notes for germs! Especially for people with dry eyes, maintaining optimal eye hygiene is a must. Dry eyes occur due to improperly functioning tear ducts which cause a lack of lubrication and tears. So the eye’s natural cleansing mechanism does not work adequately to get rid of the impurities. Make sure that you wash your face and eyes with cold water and use good quality eye drops every night. If you are a makeup lover, ensure that your eye products are of high quality and not beyond the expiry date. Also, remember to never sleep with your contact lenses on because it might irritate the eyes further and also cause redness.
3) Eat Healthy and Don’t Forget to Hydrate!
Eye health is not just about external care but boosting it from within. Dehydrated and sensitive eyes are signs that your eyes lack the nutrients necessary for optimal vision and comfort. A balanced diet with ample Vitamins C, E, A, Zinc, and good fats help fuel the cells that promote optic functions. Not only do foods like spinach, eggs, and fish enhance eye functions but even water does wonders!
Drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you can free yourself from the frustration of itchy and dry eyes. The eye is surrounded by fluid which keeps the eye clean and safe from germs and infections. Ample hydration ensures that the fluid balance in the eye is maintained and reduces redness and strain. Here’s your reminder to drink a glass of water for twinkly & healthy eyes!
4) Cut Down on Screen Time
The dark circles and puffiness under your eyes are proof that you need a break from the screen. While working on laptops or watching something on the phone, our eyes tend to blink less frequently than normal. This happens due to blue light emitted from the screens which prevent blinking and lubrication. Lack of lubrication makes it harder for the eyes to focus. Not only does it lead to eye fatigue, dry eyes, and strain but also causes migraine attacks. Staying glued to your devices can impact the eye’s focus flexibility. The eyes lose the ability to adjust and fail to see things at a distance. This condition is commonly known as myopia or short-sightedness. Blue light can also damage light-sensitive cells in the retina and cause macular degeneration and even loss of eyesight.
Well, it’s high time to cut down on screen time. Set a particular screen time for yourself to limit device usage and chalk out a schedule that allows you at least 7 hours of beauty sleep. If your daily visual demands involve looking at screens for prolonged periods, you must get an eye test done at the earliest. An optometrist can prescribe corrective prescription eyewear (if needed) and suggest blue light filter glasses for effective protection of light-sensitive eyes.
5) Check Your Surroundings
Do you know that even when you are sitting indoors, your eyes are at the risk of irritants and other external elements? With factors such as temperature, cleanliness, and air circulation, your surroundings play a crucial role in eye health.
Ceiling fans, AC, room heaters, and other methods of temperature regulation can reduce indoor humidity. The sudden drop in moisture can catalyse the evaporation of tears leading to a higher risk of reddened and dry eyes. Air circulation in the room via ACs and heaters can also heighten the risk of eye infections like conjunctivitis. Make sure that you regulate the room temperature for adequate moisture retention. Be careful while using hair dryers and avoid channelling the hot air directly to your face. Clean your room and car interiors at least once a fortnight to get rid of any allergens that can trigger dry eyes.
Have you been struggling to live a normal life due to eyes that are sensitive and watery all the time? Take your first step towards good eye care by booking a comprehensive eye health checkup at The Eye Lab, Melbourne.