It is estimated that 1.13 million individuals aged ≥40 years are currently blind in Nigeria. The Northwest geopolitical zone harbours the largest number of adults with blindness in Nigeria being the zone with the largest population.
The eye is a complex sensory organ responsible for vision. Eye problems can be easily prevented if you practice essential eye care habits every day. It is surprising that they tend to be neglected despite being practical and easy to accomplish. The following things should be part of your daily routine to maintain your eye health and vision.
STOP rubbing your eyes: When you touch or rub your peepers, you can easily transfer dirt, dust and bacteria from your hands to your eyes. Avoid rubbing your hands in your eyes to prevent infection or irritation. Try to break the habit as soon as possible if it is so ingrained in you.
Wash your hands frequently: Keep bacteria at bay by washing your hands regularly and don't let them come into contact with your eyes, glasses, or contact lenses.
Drink a lot: Adequate fluid intake is essential for the overall health of your body, including your eyes. If you're well-hydrated, you'll avoid dry and irritated eyes.
Eat healthy: Beta-carotene, lutein, omega-3, lycopene, and vitamins C, A and E are essential for maintaining your eye health. Make sure your diet is filled with different nutrient-rich foods.
Sleep well: Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need to be recharged, and that happens while you sleep. Make sure to get enough sleep each day to keep your eyes revitalized and healthy.
Wear sunglasses: Exposure to sunlight and UV rays increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration and can cause sunburn or keratitis on the cornea. So, in addition to making a fashion statement and adding an extra touch to your overall look, wear these sunglasses to protect your eyes. If wearing them isn't for you, contact lenses or UV-blocking glasses will help. Also wear cap, visor and hat.
Don’t stay to close to devices and keep room lighting: Computer screens should be placed at arm's length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. This keeps your eyes from getting tired. Also, make sure you have enough diffused light in your room. Lights that are focused and too bright can lead to glare, which can cause eye strain.
Wear the appropriate eye safety gear for different activities: Whatever you do, make sure your eyes are protected. If you go swimming, wear goggles to avoid chlorine exposure. In the meantime, if you're gardening or doing a do-it-yourself project at home, wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust particles, bacteria, and injury.
Check the 20-20-20 rule: If you want to keep your eyes at their best, you need to follow the 20-20-20 Rule, which states:
Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen and fix your eyes on an object a few feet away from you. 20 feet.
Blink 20 times in a row to prevent dry eyes.
Every 20 minutes, get up from your seat and walk 20 steps. Not only is it good for your eyesight, but it also promotes good posture and blood circulation throughout the body. Yes, it also prevents you from being sedentary.
Stop smoking: Smoking makes you more susceptible to age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases like cataracts. Smoking can also damage the optic nerve, which can adversely affect your vision over time.
Check eye Make-up: If you wear makeup, choose brands that work for you. Avoid using eyeshadows, mascaras, and eyeliners that are irritating to your eyes. Remember to use makeup remover before going to bed to prevent bacteria buildup from leftover makeup on the eye area. Also, regularly clean your makeup brushes, especially the ones you use for eye makeup.
Keep everything around you clean: Exposure to dirt can cause eye irritation; Make sure the places you frequent are well maintained and clean. Change your sheets and towels regularly and keep your workstation clutter-free.
13. SUPPLEMENTS:
Supplements play a vital role in keeping the organs of the body healthy. The eye requires essentials vitamins and minerals which contain antioxidants which helps to protect the eyes from harmful effects of free radicals that can damage healthy cells needed to maintain the normal functioning of the eyes.
Visionace formulation provides a comprehensive array of nutritional supplement which food alone cannot provide for the optimum functioning of the eyes. It contains the recommended daily allowance needed by the eyes.
Supplement such as Visionace contain nutrients which helps to slow the rate of avoidable eye defects. Visionace is suitable for persons 18 years and above. Best taken with main meal for better absorption and to avoid mild stomach irritations such as nausea or vomiting. Readily available at reputable pharmacy outlets in Nigeria.
References
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2009, Vol.50, 2033-2039. doi:https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.08-3133
Comments