Prioritizing your family’s eye health is like putting money into a savings plan. If you are proactive early on, you’ll reap the benefits as you grow older.
By taking precautions now, you’ll be able to minimize the chance of developing eye conditions later in life.
We’re going to cover how to take care of your eyes daily in our family eye health tips – read on to discover what our experts recommend.
Know your family history
Many common eye conditions are inherited. You’re 4 to 9 times more likely to develop glaucoma, for example, if a family member has it. Macular degeneration and some cases of cataracts can also be hereditary.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with your family’s eye history and inform your eye doctor of any conditions family members may have. Your eye doctor can look out for the early signs of eye conditions you’re predisposed to and, if necessary, put in place a treatment plan as early as possible.
Always wear sunglasses
Most of us look forward to getting out in the sunshine, but it also comes with risks. Overexposure to UV rays from the sun can cause long-lasting damage to your eyes and lead to the development of some eye conditions. Strong sunlight can also burn your cornea and leave you with temporary blurred vision.
The good news is that it’s really simple to avoid UV damage to your eyes by wearing high quality sunglasses. Always look for sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses will also prevent the skin surrounding your eyes from aging too quickly, reducing wrinkles.
Protect your eyes at work
Looking at a screen or digital device for too long can cause eye problems. If you work at a computer, take regular breaks and try to blink frequently to keep your eyes moist. If you’re in a physical job where your eyes might be exposed to chemicals, flying and sharp objects or other contaminants, always wear eye protection. 90% of work injuries can be prevented by wearing proper eye protection, so make sure you prioritize protecting your eyes at work.
Correct contact lens care
Contact lenses can pick up dirt, dust, or chemicals and contaminate your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, always ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching them, store them correctly, and use an appropriate cleaning solution. Contact lens cases should be thrown away every 3 months. It is also recommended that you do not swim, shower, or sleep in your contact lenses.
Be careful with makeup
Makeup can also get into your eyes, especially mascara and eyeliner. Don’t leave it on overnight, as you can easily end up with sore, red eyes. Don’t hang on to old makeup for too long either; bacteria can grow on it. If you’ve not used it up within 3 months, we suggest replacing it. Finally, sharing eye makeup is also a no-no.
Lastly, if you ever react to a type of makeup, stop using it right away and see your eye doctor.
Contact Family EyeCare – Quincy IL
Regular eye appointments are the top way to protect your and your family’s eye health. If you haven’t seen an eye doctor for a while, visit us at Family EyeCare in Quincy, IL or book an eye exam today.