How to Take Care of Your Eyes

Eyes are one of the ways we tune into the world. Those of us who have good eyesight need to protect it and those who have eye problems need to overcome the problems. Macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and retinal diseases are a few of the eye problems that threaten a clear view of work, the world and loved ones. Eye problems can also be the result of other diseases or conditions like cancer and diabetes. Much more common problems like styes, dry eye or conjunctivitis (pink eye) can be more easily dealt with but are aggravating nonetheless.

Things You'll Need

• Eye doctor
• Eye exams
• Medication

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Instructions

How to Take Care of Your Eyes

• 1

  You wouldn't think of going without a periodic physical exam for your body. Do the same for your eyes, even if you think your vision is perfect. Eye exams check for more serious conditions, such as glaucoma and cataracts. An ophthalmologist can tell from your family history, your work and environment what kind of risks your eyes face. We don't always notice our vision changing because our brains tend to compensate for changes on a day-to-day basis. An annual eye exam can spot problems before they become major.

• 2

  Limit your exposure to hazards. Ventilate your space when working with harsh chemicals (chlorine, ammonia, paint thinner and stripping compounds). Find low-VOH alternatives; volatility means that free ions oxidize easily and can be caustic. Use eye protection when working with any chemicals or building materials to protect your eyes from accidental spills or flying nails.

• 3

  If your doctor prescribes medication for your eyes, follow the directions carefully. If you miss a dose, check with your doctor or pharmacist (pharmacies should include a sheet of instructions and information with each medication) to find out how to proceed. Never double-dose on the theory that it "makes up" for what you missed. Be careful to avoid touching your eye with a dropper and keep bottles and droppers free from contamination.

• 4

  If your doctor gives you eye exercises, do them as directed. Often exercise can help conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia from becoming worse. Like any physical therapy, they've been designed to work on a specific muscle or system to improve functionality and prolong usefulness.

• 5

  Wash your hands several times a day, always after using the bathroom and eating as well as after using any chemicals (even nail polish remover, which contains acetone--a potent caustic). If you pay attention, you'll realize how many times a day you put your hands to your face near your eyes. Those of us who wear glasses or work at jobs where we read or write, tend to adjust our glasses and rub our eyes without even thinking. If you have an infection, wash regularly and don't share the towel you use to dry your hands--use paper instead and dispose of it properly.

• 6

  Get enough sleep. OK, so this sounds like your mom speaking but rested eyes don't suffer from nearly as much eye strain and dry eye. They are more resistant to infections because they are exposed less. Vary the tasks for which you use your eyes to avoid eye strain and myopia (nearsightedness). Use your eyes for something beside watching television (or a monitor screen), like reading or walking outside. Mom would also tell you to re-think risky behavior like hanging your head out the car window on the first day of spring.