For Men’s Health Week we’re highlighting 5 things you can do to keep your eye health in top shape. You’ve only got one set of eyes, so look after them.
Protect your eyes from UV Rays
We all love a beautiful sunny day, but as the weather heats up, we must remember to protect our eyes from dangerous UV rays and glares from reflective surfaces. While many contact lenses now feature UV filters, this is not enough to completely protect your eyes from the sun, and so you must wear sunglasses.
We stock a wide rage of men’s designer sunglasses, from budget brands like Superdry, to higher end brands such as Gucci and Ray-Ban. Sports enthusiasts can choose from Nike, Dunlop and Oakley to wear during high activity. Many of the brands on our site also feature polarised sunglasses to further protect your eyes from reflected glares.
Get your eyes tested regularly
Regular eye tests are the first step to protecting your eye health. You should get an eye test once every two years or sooner if you suspect changes or are advised by your optician or GP. If you opt to wear contact lenses, it is important to know that your optician must give you your prescription at the end of a fitting. You are free to purchase lenses anywhere you like, and it is always cheaper to purchase them online. Feel Good Contacts offers the best prices online and a 10% discount off your first order. You can also order your lenses directly from our mobile app. Purchase on the go and in a few clicks.
Stop smoking
Smoking is well known to have many negative effects on our overall health, from lung cancer to clogged arteries, to bronchitis and heart disease. What effect does smoking have on our eye health? Studies have shown that heavy smokers (15 or more cigarettes a day) have almost double their chances of getting cataracts.
There is also a strong link between smoking and high blood pressure - likely to the build-up of fat in the arteries – and diabetes. These are all risk factors for glaucoma, a casual break down of the cells that construct the nerve in your eye responsible for sending visual information to your optic nerve in the brain. As this process is gradual, many sufferers of glaucoma do not know it is happening until a large amount of optic damage has occurred.
Smokers are also three to four times more likely to develop age related macular degeneration (ADM). This condition mainly affects the retina and causes loss of central vision, making it increasingly difficult to read and see finer details.
Eat foods that encourage good eye health
Sadly, it is a myth that carrots can literally help you see in the dark, but they do contain elements that promote strong eye health. Carrots contain Vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision. It is a component of a protein called rhodopsin, which helps the retina to absorb light. Sweet potatoes are also rich in Vitamin A and beta carotene.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collards are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin which are a fantastic source of Vitamin C. Critic fruits such as lemons, organs and grapefruits also contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight age related eye damage.
As a healthier alternative to chocolates and sweets, switch to seeds, such as hemp seeds, flax seeds and chia seeds. These are high in omega-3’s and are a highly rich source of vitamin E.
Protect your eyes while working
Long hours spent in front of the screen can also lead to dry eye. When focused on a computer screen, you are less likely to blink, meaning your eyes do not receive regular moisture a hydrate.
Dry eye can also be caused by strong air conditioning in office environments and dehydration. You may not be able to change the air conditioning if you work in a large office, but you can increase your water intake and keep your body as hydrated as possible, you can also use eye drops to replenish the moisture in your eyes. Blink Intensive Eye drops are one of the most popular options and are also available in convenient vials that can fit easily into your backpack or pocket.
You should also consider following the 20-20-20 rule. Popularised by Dr. Jeff Anshell, it dictates that every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain which can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Find out more about Men’s Health Week on their official website here.
