Eye safety
From cleaning products and computer screens to dust and air pollution, modern life can expose your eyes to many things which can lead to them becoming tired or sore, or even damaged. Awareness of these everyday risks is an important step in improving your eye health.
DIY and working environments
If you're a DIY fan or spend time in a workshop, eye protection is an important safety consideration. Foreign bodies can very easily damage the eye’s soft tissue, which can lead to long-term sight problems. If you work in a hazardous environment, make sure your employer provides adequate eye protection.
Driving
Obviously, if you drive any type of vehicle it’s important you can see clearly, read road signs accurately and properly assess driving conditions. However, up to five million UK drivers would fail the number plate identification part of the test if they had to take it again. So, if you’re a driver, make sure your eyes are checked regularly.
VDU screens
We spend an average of eight hours a day staring at screens, with prolonged use often causing eye strain. To prevent screen fatigue, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Just make sure that every 20 minutes you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. We would also recommend an antireflective coating for your lenses.
Sunlight
As well as skin, did you know the sun can also damage your eyesight? Everyone knows the warnings against staring directly at the sun, but on bright days your eyes can be easily damaged by the sun’s glare too. Which is why all Vision Express sun lenses come with 100% UVA and UVB protection as standard.
A healthy diet for healthy eyes
Everyone knows that a healthy, balanced diet is good for your body, but it can also be good for your eyes.
Antioxidants
Eating a diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables could help to prevent eye problems and some eye conditions that can eventually lead to permanent sight damage. For instance, kale, broccoli, spinach, red peppers and leeks, all contain antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help to protect your eyes against age-related macular degeneration.
Omega-3
Omega-3 could significantly reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by 40%. It can also help in the prevention of dry eye – a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. If you suffer from dry eye, include plenty of oily fish in your diet to ensure that you get a plentiful supply of Omega-3.
Carrots
The old wives' tale that eating carrots will help you see in the dark isn't that far off the mark - carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which helps to protect against night blindness and cataracts. They also contain lutein, a yellow plant pigment that lowers the risk of cataracts and protects the eyes against damage from ageing.
Water
The eye is surrounded by fluid, which protects it by washing away debris and dust every time we blink. In order to maintain a healthy balance of fluid in the eye it is important to stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can prevent both your body and your eyes from becoming dehydrated. Try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink too, as it causes a drop in the level of glutathione, an antioxidant that helps protect against eye disease.
