For all our advancements in medicine, Singaporeans are still prone to developing eyesight problems, no matter what age group they’re in. That’s right — even kids aren’t safe!
While you could take the best eye supplements in Singapore to get better, we still need to avoid the habits that are ruining our eyes. Let’s learn more about what these are and how we can change things for our vision’s sake.
What Bad Habits Are Damaging Your Eyesight?
Too Much Screen Time
When you stare at phones or computers for hours on end, your eyes will feel the strain in no time.
This is because of several reasons, such as:
- The amount of times you blink drastically drops when you’re too focused on a screen. The less you blink, the dryer your eyes become, making them prone to irritation.
- Your eye muscles also become more sore and fatigued.
- The blue light from screens also causes further strain on your eyes.
Not Wearing Sunglasses
Going out on a sunny day? Even if you wear a hat or bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the shade, your eyes can still get harmed by UV rays. Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent damage to your lens and retina.
Excessive Eye Rubbing
As satisfying as rubbing your eyes may feel at the moment, this action can scratch the cornea and increase your risk of bacterial infections. It can also worsen conditions like glaucoma.
Poor Contact Lens Care
Contact lenses may help you see better, but improper usage can worsen it instead. Some poor practices include:
- Not washing your hands before handling the lenses. This can introduce germs into your eyes.
- Sleeping while wearing the lenses deprives your eyes of oxygen and can permanently damage them.
- Reusing old contact solution dilutes its disinfectant, increasing your chances of infection.
- Showering or swimming with the lenses can trap bacteria in the eye.
Good Habits to Protect Your Eyes From Wear and Tear
Take Time Away From Screens
If your job or hobby makes you spend long hours in front of a TV or computer, be sure to let your eyes rest too. One popular tip is to take a break from the screen every 20 minutes.
Wear Sunglasses Outside
Do invest in sunglasses that can effectively block both UVA and UVB rays. But more importantly, don’t forget to wear them when going outside!
Use Protective Eyewear
Speaking of other eyewear, you should also wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from small debris or chemicals, such as when doing DIY home projects.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying properly hydrated helps your eyes stay moisturised, so they’re less prone to strain and irritation.
Use Lubricant Eye Drops
Try to resist the temptation of rubbing your eyes. Every time you feel the itch, consider applying eye drops on your eyes instead — they’re far cleaner than your fingers.
Have Regular Eye Exams
You should also make eye exams a part of your healthcare routine. A trip to the optometrist can help detect early signs of vision problems that they can help you manage accordingly.
How Nutrition Plays a Part
Your diet also plays an important part in your eyes’ health, as there are certain vitamins and minerals that are particularly helpful in fighting against various eye issues.
These nutrients include:
- Vitamin A – Supports low-light vision, thus preventing night blindness. Some rich food sources include dairy, liver, eggs, and dark leafy greens.
- Vitamin C & E – Both vitamins have antioxidants that fight off oxidative damage in your eyes.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin – These carotenoids from foods like leafy greens and squash help protect against blue light damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Healthy fats from fatty fish are essential for fighting eye inflammation and dryness.
If you can’t get enough nutrients through diet alone, eye supplements are your best bet for supporting your eye health. But you should consult your doctor to make sure you’re getting the appropriate dosage for your needs.
Let’s Take Better Care of Our Eyes
Our eyesight is a precious gift, so we should do better to take care of it. From having less screen time to taking the best eye supplements in Singapore, there are many steps you can take to protect your eyes for a long time.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s start safeguarding your eyes now. With some small changes today, we pave the way to a brighter and clearer vision tomorrow.
Watch: Tips To Keep Eyes Healthy! | FIVE Resolutions for Healthy Eyes
*Video courtesy of Michele Lee, MD on YouTube
