Many people are unaware of how to protect their eyes. A study by the World Health Organisation reveals that by 2050, more than half the world's population will suffer from myopia. An exponential increase that is linked to the confinement we have been forced to live in as a result of the Coronavirus epidemic. Over the last two years, adults and children have spent even more hours staring at screens.
To keep your eyesight strong and healthy, we recommend some essential precautions.
1. Don't rub your eyes
Rubbing your eyes occasionally is fine, but if it's a common practice, it's time to start changing your habits. Rubbing your eyes can spread bacteria and dust, as they are extremely sensitive to dirt. If necessary, make sure your hands are properly cleaned with soap and water.
2. Wear sunglasses
To protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and prevent damage, it is extremely important to wear sunglasses with UV protection. Exposure to UV rays increases the chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Undoubtedly an essential accessory at any time of year.
3. Take your eyes off the screens
If you spend most of your day looking at a screen, whether it's a television, computer or mobile phone, this habitual practice is one of the reasons for the increase in vision problems in adults and children, as a result of the high daily exposure to the harmful blue light emitted by these devices. The ideal is to rest your eyes at least every 30 minutes and position your eyes at the same level as the screen to reduce strain.
4. Balanced diet
Eye health can also be affected by an incorrect diet. From omega-3 to vitamin C, there are many important nutrients to keep your eyes healthy. Their consumption can help prevent problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. So eat green leafy vegetables, fish such as tuna and salmon, pulses, citrus fruits, meat and eggs every day. All this is always accompanied by physical exercise, which helps prevent or control blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. All these health problems can lead to eye diseases.
5. A good night's sleep
A good night's sleep can help the eyes recover from the stresses of daily life. While we sleep, the eyes are also continuously lubricated and any dust accumulated during the day is removed. On the other hand, if we don't get enough sleep, we can develop serious eye diseases such as glaucoma. A disease that can eventually lead to loss of vision if left untreated.
6. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can significantly damage eye health. When we don't drink enough water, our skin and eyes can become dry.
7. Take astaxanthin
Daily consumption of astaxanthin is able to help prevent eye problems. Able to pass through the eye tissues, this natural substance exerts its effects safely and more powerfully than any other carotenoid. In this way, astaxanthin is able to inhibit the action of free radicals, preventing the ageing of cells.