Health & Prevention
How to keep your eyes healthy
Without realising it, our eyes are always exposed to a number of environmental irritants – dust, UV rays, foreign particles and many more. That is why we it is important to pay particular attention to our eyes. We should be aware of the things that are good for our eyes, as well as of those that can cause them harm . Here are some useful tips we’ve put together for you.
1. Preventative checkups
Starting as early as birth, we should give our eyes particular attention. Children should be examined by an ophthalmologist between as early as 6 to 12 months old, as well as between the age of 30 and 42 months. This is particularly essential for premature infants. Children required to wear spectacles from an early age should continue to attend regular checkups.
Car drivers should attend annual eye checkups to keep up-to-date on their visual acuity, field of vision, and sensitivity to bright light.
For most people, it is important to be tested regularly for glaucoma starting at 40 years old. Preferably every year. From the age of 55, the macula should be also checked in a regular basis, ideally once a year, to ensure early diagnosis of any age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is important to note that smokers and people who spend a lot of time in the sun are at greater risk in this case.
2. UV protection
People who spends a long time in the sun without proper sun protection is at risk of sunburn, this is common knowledge. However, there is one thing that many people do not know: the cornea of your eye can also become sunburnt! Resulting in so-called "snow blindness" or "flash burn". If this occurs, nerve endings in the cornea are left exposed. Symptoms include severe pain, extreme light sensitivity as well as burning, red and watery eyes. It can even lead to impaired vision. In the long term, UV exposure can lead to thickening of the conjunctiva and cataracts, as well as to an increased risk of macula degeneration.
It is very important to wear sunglasses which filter the UV light optimally. Ideally, sunglasses should have a minimum UVA/UVB protection of UV 400. This guarantees that the sunglasses will block all harmful light rays in the ultraviolet range.
3. Fresh air
The corneas of your eyes obtain their oxygen directly from the air, they do not have their own oxygen supply. That is why your eyes would feel irritated when you spend too much time in a smoky or stuffy room. Everyone should frequently relieve their eyes by getting some fresh air. Extra tip: Permanent contact lens wearers should have a "glasses day" every now and then in order to give their eyes a rest.
4. Computer
Studies have finally been able to prove that extended periods spent working in front of a computer and staring at the digital screens make the eyes very dry because we blink less frequently. It is important to regularly give your eyes a break from the screen when working on a computer. Look away from the screen and into the distance, close and open your eyes occasionally and make a conscious effort to blink. These “eye-exercises” can also be relaxing for your eyes. They will help you to optimally distribute the eye's protective film regularly.
5. Hygiene
The eyes can get easily irritated from foreign particles or dust . This means that you should always try to wash your hands before touching or rubbing your eyes.
6. Cosmetics
Those who wear eye makeup should only use products that are allergy tested and free of preservatives. Some makeup products can irritate the eyes by assaulting the protective film of grease on the cornea. At night, it is important to remove any mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow from your eyelashes and eyelids.
7. Eye creams
When using eye cream, it is important to make sure that it does not contain any irritating oils. These oils can disrupt the tear ducts and cause allergies. Avoid applying face creams directly to the area around your eyes.
8. Foreign particles
Foreign particles can damage the sensitive cornea and inflame the inner eye. It rarely happens, but if a foreign particle punctures the cornea, this puncture closes itself. The damage can then no longer be seen outwardly. However, if you rub your eye in this condition, small lesions and abrasions could appear and could be irritating or even painful. In such occasion, you should consult an ophthalmologist who can remove the foreign particle and prescribe medication to relieve the inflammation and pain.
9. Chemical burns
Chemical burns are most often caused by acids or bases, for example in household cleaners. The conjunctiva or cornea of the eye may be damaged directly. The eye must be rinsed immediately to wash the substances out of the eye or to dilute them. If no sterile eyewash solution is available, rinse with potable water or tap water. Consult an optometrist immediately.