Simple Eye Care Tips for Springtime

• Wear Sunglasses

Equip yourself with different eyewear and sunglasses. Sunglasses help protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. The dangerous UVA and UVB radiations from the sun affect the eyes, causing serious damage to the eyes. Thus, it is advised to wear sunglasses or other protective eyewear to minimize the effects of the harmful radiations of the sun.

• Wash Your Face Regularly
  

Allergens and pollen are found in a great quantity in the spring season. Flowers are in full bloom during the springtime, trees are releasing their pollen and the pollination process is at its peak.

In recent years, a significant increase in pollen levels in the air has been noted, which has increased the number of allergens and irritants in the air. These allergens and irritants are responsible for causing redness, itching, and watery eyes. These seasonal allergies accompanied with constant sneezing and congestion not only affect the external organs such as your eyes but the internal organs as well.

With the air so filled with allergens such as pollen and mold spores, a simple yet very effective option will be washing your eyes. Wash your eyes regularly, with cold water, to keep them clean to avoid any allergic reactions or infections and stay allergy free in the spring season.

• Lubricant or Allergy Eye Drops
  

Eye drops and artificial tears can help wash out allergens from your eyes. Artificial tears can be easily found in the markets that help keep the eyes hydrated and moisturized.

Artificial tears can provide temporary relief from dry eyes and itching, proving to be an excellent source for washing your eyes. As an alternative, cold compresses can also be used which can help relieve some of the itching and redness accompanied with the season.

• Contact Lens Care
  

Contact lenses are the breeding grounds for infection and bacteria. Not all contact lens solutions contain anti-bacterial properties. Thus, it is always a good practice to thoroughly clean your contact lens, to avoid unnecessary infection.

• Cleanliness is Key

Allergens in the air such as dust, pollen, and mold can accumulate on beddings, sheets and in other areas, during springtime.  It is crucial to keep your personal space clean as it will help clean away any allergens and dust from the most occupied spaces.

Eyes are sensitive to any external entities that may cause irritation or allergy. Cleaning the eyes and along with your living space will contribute to much healthier eyes.

• Hydrate

Hydration is extremely important for eye health. Studies recommend drinking at least two liters of water in a day. The 8×8 rule for daily water consumption states that eight ounces of water should be drunk 8 times in a day. The hydration of the eyes is just as important as the hydration of the body. Hydration can help flush out extra salts in the body while keeping the eyes healthy and moisturized.

• Don’t Smoke

Cigarette smoke can cause dehydration of the eyes which may lead to irritation. Smoke can also cause redness in the eyes and block the tear ducts of the eyes. For combating irritation from the smoke of cigarettes and cooking, it is advised to stay away from the smoke at all costs for the sake of your health.

• Regular Vision Check-Ups

Doctors can help recommend suitable medication and techniques for taking care of your eyes. Visiting an optometrist on regular appointments can not only help keep track of your eyesight but also pickup on other health conditions that may contribute to eye damage. So, it is imperative that you visit your eye doctor and get regular check-ups.

• Clean Your Home

Spring-cleaning is a popular term used for cleaning households in the spring season. Cleaning your house in the spring time can result in allergic reactions to dust and other allergens.

Before you start cleaning your house, make sure the house is well ventilated to prevent any of the allergens from irritating your eyes. However, once you finish cleaning up, make sure you keep your windows and doors shut. Clean your beddings and clothes often but avoid hanging them outside to dry, as the possibility of catching allergens is higher, outdoors.

Also, wash your curtains and bed linens to avoid the possibility of external irritants attaching to them.

• Avoid Windy Weather

During the windy days, pollen counts are often the highest. It is important to avoid windy days, to avoid possible irritation from allergens.If you must go out, wear an allergy mask or cover your nose and mouth, to prevent irritation of the eyes.

• Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes

Touching your eyes can put them at risk of infection or cause redness. Different kinds of bacteria and infection are present on the hands, which can transfer to the eyes, causing further issues. Even if you feel the need to rub your eyes, avoid doing so at all costs.

• Improve Your Diet

Dietary habits play an important role in good eye health. Foods with good nutritional value can help improve the health of your eyes. A diet high in nutrients such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, carrots, nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, fish and eggs can help improve eye health.

Berries such as blueberries, bilberry, and black currant can also help keep your eyes healthy and young.

• Get Rest

Sleeping on time helps to rest your eyes. Lack of rest can overwork the eye muscles and tire out the eyes. Taking breaks in between tasks, such as using the computer or watching television, can also help relax the muscles of the eyes.

• Throw Away your Old Make Up and Wash your Brushes

Makeup is an important accessory for some people. However, makeup brushes and sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria and infections, which can cause reactions on the skin and the eyes.

It is, therefore,essential to clean brushes and sponges, at least once a week, to avoid the possibility of infections. Old make up that is past its expiry date should also be thrown away, as it can result in infections.

For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.

Source: aao.org

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay