March is National Save Your Vision Month

Liz Pierce, DRS’ Vision Matters Manager, has compiled four basic tips for healthy eyes in recognition of National Save Your Vision Month. For more tips and information, contact Liz by email or phone at 970-482-2700 or visit www.rebuildyourvision.com

#1: Feed Your Eyes

They will thank you! One thing that almost all vision research seems to agree on is the need for more omega-3 in our diets.

While omega-3 can help protect your eyes from problems like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, it is also essential for good cardiovascular health.

Most doctors advise adding fish to your diet to ensure that you receive the omega-3 your body needs. Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Many types of nuts also contain omega-3.

#2: Practice Safe Computer Use

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a common and growing problem. Symptoms of CVS include tired or sore eyes, dry and red eyes, headaches, blurring of vision, or slowness in changing the focus of your eyes. Left untreated, CVS can cause permanent vision damage.

The good news is there is one simple step that can help to combat CVS and save your vision. When working on a computer for over 10 minutes, take a vision break and look away from the screen for at least 10 seconds, focus on something that is at least 10 feet away from you. We call this the 10-10-10 rule.

#3: Wear Sunglasses

In the summer and winter, proper sunglasses block most of the ultraviolet rays of sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can lead to macular degeneration, cataracts, and skin cancer of the eyelids. Get sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB light. Not all sunglasses are created equal. Sunglasses without special coatings that protect from UV light may actually cause more harm to your eyes because you’ll think you’re protected from the sun, so you’ll be less careful.

Don’t put the sunglasses away in the winter! Many people only think of wearing sunglasses in the warm summer months, but winter snow reflects the sunlight back up at you. This means that you are exposed twice to the sunlight. Keep the sunglasses handy year-round and protect your eyesight so that you can continue to enjoy the views.

#4: Use Special Care When Applying Eye Makeup

Who knew that eye makeup could be so dangerous?

Pink eye, corneal damage, or possibly something worse can all be avoided by following the simple steps below:

  • Keep eyeliner pencils sharpened so that the rough wood casing won’t scratch the eye or eyelid.
  • Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics. Bacteria on your hands could be transferred to your eyes, causing an infection.
  • Never use an old applicator in a fresh cosmetic product. The applicator will transfer bacteria to the new product.
  • Don’t use old eye cosmetics. Replace cosmetics every six months to avoid excess contamination with bacteria.
  • Keep your hands clean and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Keeping hand sanitizer with you at all times is suggested.

 

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