Vision problems are something that is easily preventable, as long as you take the proper steps. Practicing essential eye care will prolong your sharp eyesight and lower your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other degenerative conditions. Here are ten tips for taking proper care of your eyes.

Stop Rubbing Your Eyes
Because your hands are exposed to a vast amount of bacteria on a daily basis, rubbing your eyes can easily transfer them. Avoid touching your eyes in order to prevent irritation and possible infections.

Wash Your Hands Frequently
To keep your hands free of harmful bacteria that can enter your eyes, it’s important to wash your hands on a regular basis throughout the day. Otherwise, you could end up with an eye infection that can put you at risk of further vision problems.

Wear Sunglasses
It’s important to protect your eyes from UV light exposure, as it will increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. Not wearing sunglasses outdoors can also cause your corneas to get sunburned, a condition called photokeratitis. UV protected sunglasses or specialty contact lenses will get the job done, as well as wearing hats that shield your eyes.

Keep Yourself Hydrated
Keeping your body well hydrated is essential in your overall well being, including the health and functionality of your eyes. Staying hydrated will prevent your eyes from getting too dry or becoming irritated.

Don’t Smoke
Among the many other health reasons as to why you shouldn’t smoke cigarettes, it also increases your risk of developing age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. Consistent smoking can also cause damage to the optic nerve, which can negatively affect your vision over time.

Eat a Balanced Diet
To help your eyes from within, make sure you have beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C and E in your everyday diet. Combined, these nutrients are essential for maintaining eye health and preventing age-related vision problems like cataracts.

Keep Your Monitor Farther Away
Your computer monitor should be placed an arm’s length away from your eyes and angled 20 degrees below eye level. This will help to prevent eye strain. It’s also important that you have enough lighting that’s evenly dispersed throughout the room.

Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
To keep your eyes healthy, follow these steps to prevent eye strain and fatigue. Look away from your computer screen for 20 seconds, focusing on something that’s 20 feet away. Do this every 20 minutes. To prevent dry eyes, blink 20 times continuously.

Use Safe Eye Makeup
Make sure you’re using eye makeup that works well with your body. This means that, no matter how stunning the colour or formula is, you should avoid using products that cause irritation or allergic reactions within your eyes. And take off residual eye makeup at the end of the say to avoid bacterial buildup.

Get Enough Sleep
During the night, your eyes need as much rest as the rest of your body. This means that getting enough sleep, about seven to eight hours for adults, will help to rejuvenate your eye function and keep them healthy.

At Complete Optical, we provide patients with a wide variety of brand name eyewear at great prices. Visit our Mississauga Optometrists for eye exams, prescription eyewear, safety glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. With excellent service in English, Polish and Farsi, be sure to book your eye exam today!