Barrack. 10 tips for taking care of your eyes

Adopting a series of healthy habits and taking certain preventive measures is essential for maintaining visual health. We explain to you what are these ten rules that everyone, adults and children, must follow to take care of our eyes and our vision.

  • ANNUAL OPHTHALMOLOGICAL REVIEW To detect eye problems and ametropia (myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia) as early as possible, it is advisable to carry out an ophthalmological examination every year. Macular degeneration and glaucoma, among other conditions, have a better prognosis if detected and treated early. Uncorrected refractive errors lead to eye strain with difficulty focusing, eye strain, and headaches.
  • A HEALTHY DIET It is necessary to maintain good visual function. Vitamins A, C and E, minerals like zinc and selenium, pigments like lutein and zeaxanthin and Omega 3 acids, are essential for the retina and to delay the aging of eye structures. These substances are found in vegetables, fruits, oily fish, shellfish and nuts.
  • VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS They must supplement the diet in patients or the elderly who do not have an adequate diet and in patients with ophthalmological pathologies who require a larger intake.
  • PRESERVE THE EYE SURFACE The ocular surface remains transparent thanks to the lubrication of the tear film. When we blink, we cover the eye with said film. When we watch the computer, television or a book, we reduce the frequency and amplitude of the flicker. This causes dry eyes with the appearance of discomfort such as redness, pain and reflex tearing. To avoid them, it is advisable to use artificial tears both on these occasions and in adverse environmental situations (heating, air conditioning, smoke, etc.)
  • PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN Ultraviolet (UV) radiation produces acute and chronic damage to all structures of the eye. It is essential to protect them, even in cloudy weather, behind approved sunglasses with guaranteed protection (UV filter). Those who do not meet these characteristics should be rejected.
  • NEVER RUB THE EYES In the event of eye contamination by a foreign body or any chemical substance, it is advisable to wash immediately and abundantly with clean water, before going to the ophthalmologist . They should never rub their eyes.
  • PREVENT INJURIES Practice sport with suitable glasses. This will not only protect the eyeballs from solar radiation, but also from trauma and potential damage caused by environmental factors such as wind, dust and sand.
  • WORK WITH GOOD LIGHTING Adequate lighting is essential to reduce eye strain. To read, we have to place the light source behind us and focus on the book. When working with the computer or watching TV, avoid light reflections on the screen.
  • RELAXING THE EYE STRUCTURES The ocular structures are responsible for accommodation (concentration) and periodically relaxing them also reduces the visual stress of a long-lasting task. For this, we recommend that you take your eyes off the object in focus (screen, book) every 15-20 minutes for about 10-15 seconds.
  • EDUCATE CHILDREN Educating children and raising awareness in society about the measures necessary to take care of the eyes, these organs that allow us to discover and enjoy the wonders that surround us, it is to ensure good visual health in the future and prevent many eye diseases which, by following these commandments, could be avoided.

Dr. Elena Barraquer

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