Thou Shall Follow these 10 Commandments for Healthy Eyes!

Eye Commandment #1: Thou shall get an annual eye exam

It’s critically important to get a comprehensive eye exam every year and especially after the age of 40. Regular eye exams are key not only for detecting subtle vision changes that can be easily corrected with glasses or contacts, but also for screening and early detection of vision threatening conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes (the leading cause of blindness in the United States).

Make sure to mention any family history of eye conditions that may put you at higher risk. Early intervention of eye threatening conditions can change the course of an eye disease and the toll it takes on your vision.

Eye Commandment #2: Thou shall always wear sunglasses

Fact is, unless you’re wearing sunglasses when you’re outside, your eyes are being exposed to destructive ultraviolet rays that can increase your chance of getting cataracts, macular degeneration or a condition called pterygium where tissue grows over the white part of the eye.  Look for glasses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.

Eye Commandment #3: Thou shall manage your screen time

We live glued to our smartphones, laptops and computer screens. Unfortunately, long periods of screen time take a toll on our eye muscles, cause our eyes to get tired and even cause headaches. What’s more, staring at screens causes us to blink less often, resulting in dry eyes that can lead to corneal damage over time.

The best way to protect your eyes is by following the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. And blink often to keep your eyes lubricated. An anti-glare screen can also help.

Eye Commandment #4: Thou shall clean your contacts properly

Clean your contact lenses ONLY with the solution your doctor recommends, NEVER with water or saliva, and store them in a proper contact lens case. Because bacteria can seep into the case surface over time, it’s important to change out your case every three months. It’s also important to remove your lenses before going to bed. And if you wear disposable lenses, you should switch them out as often as your doctor tells you to.

Eye Commandment #5: Thou shall not shower with contacts

While you may think that taking a hot shower and letting soapy water run into your eyes will help clean your lenses, nothing could be further from the truth! Bathroom steam and shower water are actually full of germs that can cause infections if they get in your eyes. To prevent any problems, it’s best to take your lenses out before showering. That way, they get cleaned as often as you do!

Eye Commandment #6: Thou shall not ignore irritated eyes

Red, watery, itchy or burning eyes may be a sign of allergies, but they can also be signs of infection if your eyes also hurt, feel gritty, are sensitive to light or have a thick or mucus-like discharge. If you have any of these concerning symptoms, you need to see your eye care specialist right away. An untreated eye infection can not only damage your eyes but can also be spread to those around you.

Eye Commandment #7: Thou shalt not rub your eyes too often or too hard

Frequent eye rubbing can irritate your eyes and damage small blood vessels, making whatever condition is causing the eye trouble to become even worse. Also, your hands are full of germs that you are spreading to your eyes every time you touch them. If you need to touch your eyes, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly. And if you can get relief with eye drops, all the better.

Eye Commandment #8: Thou shalt not ignore eye injuries

Even if you don’t think an eye injury is a big deal, you should get your eyes checked as soon as possible after any injury, especially if you have trouble seeing, if you can’t open your eye, if you see blood in the white of your eye, if one eye can’t move as well as the other or if you notice that one pupil is larger or shaped differently than the other. All of these are signs of potentially serious vision threatening injuries and shouldn’t be ignored.

Eye Commandment #9: Thou shalt not sleep with makeup on

Think about it. Particles of mascara, eyeliner or eye shadow can get into your eyes and lead to infection. That’s because the makeup itself, not to mention the brushes, wands and applicators used to apply it accumulate bacteria over time. That’s why it’s essential to take your eye makeup off completely every night. If your eyes start to hurt or get red, these can be signs of more serious eye problems and you should see your doctor right away.

Eye Commandment #10: Thou shalt wear safety glasses

Whether you’re engaging in sports or working around the house, wearing protective eye wear can spare you from a life changing injury that can happen in a second. Depending on what activity you’re doing, you may need goggles or safety glasses, eye guards or a safety shield. Before initiating a new activity, do your homework and consult with an optometrist to make sure that you’re using proper eyewear and doing everything you can to keep your eyes safe. Overlooking eye safety can have serious consequences.

Just as it’s important to observe a healthy diet and exercise regimen for your overall health, maintaining healthy vision also benefits from a balanced diet that includes leafy greens, eggs rich in lutein, oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, red fruits and berries rich in zeaxanthin. If you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and make vision care a priority by observing the ten recommendations above, you will greatly reduce your risk factors for vision loss as you age.

Why Choose Assil Gaur Eye Institute for your eye care?

The doctors at Assil Gaur Eye Institute offer world-class eye care and vision correction specializing in LASIK, cataract, cornea, retina and glaucoma treatments.  At AGEI, you will experience state-of-the-art medical facilities that bring together revolutionary technologies with the most experienced hands in ophthalmology. Our goal is to help you achieve your personal best vision.

For more information or to schedule a consultant, please call 866-945-2745 or visit us here to make an appointment.