how to maintain eye health - #12666
I am kinda worried about my eye health lately. Like, a few weeks ago I started noticing my eyes get super tired, especially after long days at work staring at my computer screen. And it's not even just tiredness—sometimes they feel kind of dry and itchy too. I was at the optometrist last week, and they said I have a small prescription but nothing serious, so that was a relief. But then I started thinking, how to maintain eye health beyond just glasses? I mean, I don’t want to be stuck with bad vision or any more problems down the road. I've heard some stuff about diet like eating carrots and omega-3s but how much does that really help?? Also, what about screen time? I try to take breaks but with deadlines and meetings, it's tough to step away! Are there any other things I should be doing or avoid? Like, even supplements or exercises? Just really want to get a handle on how to maintain eye health because I feel like I’m already doing it wrong! Any advice from you guys would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Maintaining good eye health is a combination of several practical strategies you can integrate into your daily routine. Starting with your concerns about screen time and tired eyes, a simple yet effective practice is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes regular breaks from the intense focus required by screens. It’s understandable if deadlines make it challenging but even short breaks can significantly help in reducing eye strain. Regarding dryness and itchiness, remember to blink more frequently, as we tend to blink less when staring at screens. Consider using artificial tears or lubricant eye drops if dryness persists. For your diet, a well-rounded nutrition plan is crucial—carrots and leafy greens contain Vitamin A which is beneficial for vision, and omega-3s from fish are known to support retinal health. It’s about a balanced diet rather than just single foods. As for supplements, while they’re generally safe, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional to tailor any supplement use to your specific needs and ensure it’s safe with any other health considerations you might have. Eye exercises don’t necessarily prevent eye strains but ensuring adequate lighting in your workspace and adjusting screen brightness can make a difference. Regular breaks from screens and limiting screen time when possible, continue to be fundamental. Also, remember UV protection by wearing sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days. Lastly, given you have a prescription, it’s worth revisiting the optometrist if symptoms persist or change, to ensure your glasses’ prescription hasn’t changed, as proper correction can also alleviate discomfort. Maintaining eye health requires consistent habits, so integrating these steps into your lifestyle can help preserve your vision for the future.
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