Brinton Vision | LASIK St. Louis
Daily Habits for Healthy Eyes
Every one of us has daily habits that make us healthier and happier. We wake up at about the same time, we brush our teeth, we eat at regular intervals, and we may even have a routine of going to the gym, playing golf, or going to work.
Most of us want to do things that contribute to our overall well-being. When it comes to our eyes, every day, there are little steps we can take for healthy eyes. From the time we wake up until we go to bed at night, small habits can make a big difference! Try a few of these and see the difference!
Morning Habits
From the moment we wake up, we’re setting the tone for the rest of the day—yet the first thing so many of us do before even getting out of bed is to reach for our phones and see what we missed while we were asleep. All of that screen time strains your eyes, immediately making them more tired before you even step your feet on the floor!
For at least the first hour of the day, avoid checking your phone or any other type of screen. Instead, go for a short walk, listen to music, meditate, sit down to a cup of coffee with people you love, or cook a healthy breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, add some berries to your morning meal. Blueberries, goji berries, blackberries, and other types are all high in the antioxidants that keep the cells in your eyes—and the rest of your body—healthy. This is also an excellent time to take a fish oil supplement. Fish oil contains two Omega 3 fatty acids that relieve and prevent dry eye, a common problem for many of us, especially as we get older.
Get your comprehensive Ocular Analysis to find out what’s right for your eyes.
Daytime Habits
For those who work on a computer during the day, you likely already know the strain that occurs when you stare at a screen for too long. Adjusting the brightness to a comfortable level is one of the most effective changes you can make. Another thing you can do is to change your chair or adjust your desk so that the screen is just below eye level. These simple changes reduce the likelihood that you’ll develop dry eyes.
Follow the 10-10-10 rule if you must spend significant time looking at any type of digital screen. Every 10 minutes, take a break and look at something 10 feet away for 10 seconds. You can even set an alarm on your phone or watch as a reminder. Doing this will help you avoid eye fatigue and headaches.
Mid-Afternoon/Early Evening Habits
After work or a full day, taking time to unwind is important no matter what you do. Light exercise like taking a walk or going for a relaxing bicycle ride helps reduce stress, and also helps reduce pressure in your eyes. Not only can this decrease your risk for glaucoma, but for those who already have it, it may alleviate symptoms.
Dinner Time Habits
It’s probably no surprise that certain foods are better than others when it comes to promoting healthy eyes. After all, many of us grew up hearing that we needed to eat our carrots so we could see better! It isn’t only carrots that are good for our eyes. The following foods contain vitamins and minerals that pack a punch when it comes to our vision. They’re also good for you in other ways!
- Kale
- Sweet potatoes
- Fish
- Strawberries
- Green tea
- Almonds
- Eggs
- Green leafy vegetables
- Bell peppers
- Sunflower seeds
- Citrus fruits
- Chia seeds
Incorporate as many of these as possible in your cooking and feel good about your choices!
Bedtime Habits
Ladies, remove your eye makeup! Mascara, foundation, eye shadow, and eyeliner become breeding grounds for bacteria when they are left on your eyes for the night. Eyes are especially susceptible to infections because they’re naturally moist, and eye makeup increases the chance that bacteria will cause infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye). In a related note, you should replace your makeup every three months and wash brushes often.
If you wear contacts, be sure to remove them at night. Sleeping with them in can also lead to infections and dry eyes—both of which can be terribly uncomfortable. I can’t tell you, as an ophthalmologist, how many patients I’ve seen who have suffered from infections and even compromised their vision because they got into the habit of sleeping in contact lenses.
Finally, get plenty of rest. Nothing is better for healthy eyes, and for the whole body, than resting your body and mind for six to eight hours a night.
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that LASIK and other refractive procedures. Studies show that laser vision correction reduces the risk of infections for contact lens wearers. Better yet, eliminating the hassles of glasses and contacts from your daily routine leaves you with more time and energy for the important things in life.
Brinton Vision offers LASIK in St. Louis, plus all six of its modern variations. Even if you’ve been told you are not a candidate in the past, advancement in technology and science may mean there’s hope for you to achieve clear, natural vision. To find out if one of these procedures can change your life, schedule a Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis by clicking here, or by calling 314.375.2020.