Our eyes show us the beauty that surrounds us. They're the first thing we all look at when we meet someone new or greet someone we love. When the rest of the body ages, the eyes still hold its sparkle. Protect and nourish them with a few of these pointers:
- Have your eyes examined regularly. An ophthalmologist can catch issues early, track potential areas of concern over the years and ensure your prescription for glasses and contacts are up-to-date.
- Wear sunglasses. A pair of sunnies with UV protection protects the eyes as well as the delicate skin in the eye area. This tip is especially important when spending an extended amount of time on water or snow in bright sun.
- Let 'em breathe. If you wear contacts daily, clean them well and replace as directed. Also, wear glasses on occasion so the eyes have an opportunity to breathe.
- Makeup devotees, avoid wearing makeup too close to the lash line. If eye boogers routinely show up dark, this is likely due to makeup is getting in the eyes. To prevent black eye crud, take care when applying make up, choose products that don't slip and slide, avoid rubbing done up eyes and cleanse makeup well before bed.
- Eat eye- and vision-fortifying foods that contain vitamin A, C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and essential fatty acids, such as carrots, avocados, sweet potatoes, kale, eggs, sardines, leafy greens and nuts.
- Don't stare at screens non-stop. Take eye breaks at work, look into the distance periodically, swap the screen for a book, take in morning sunshine.
Doing right by our eyes will mean better vision as we age. Healthy eyes will remain bright and allow you to see all of life's beauty. How do you keep your eyes healthy?