We’ve Only Got Eyes for You: Loving Your Vision

February is the month of love. And, while you may be showing your family members, friends, or partner some love, have you ever taken the time to appreciate your eyes for all they do? Your eyes are the most important sensory organ, helping you see and interpret the world around you. This February, we’re highlighting seven ways you can love your eyes, today and all year round!

1. Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is great for your overall health and can help keep your eyes moist and healthy, too! Caffeinated beverages like coffee have a dehydrating effect, so try to limit your caffeine intake while increasing your water consumption.

2. Reduce your screen time

Now more than ever, people use digital devices for work, entertainment, and relaxation. It can be hard to distance yourself from screens, but spending hours looking at these devices can cause temporary eye fatigue and discomfort.

To prevent uncomfortable symptoms, keep between 20 and 24 inches of space between you and your computer screen or tablet, and take frequent breaks. We love practicing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away to give your eyes a well-deserved break!

3. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses

Even in the winter, it’s important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure can cause eye damage and increase your risk of developing conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and corneal inflammation. Try to choose high-quality sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays, and wear them during every season to keep your eyes healthy. If you’re looking to find your perfect pair, we offer a wide variety of options at our Optical Shoppe!

4. Quit smoking

Smoking negatively impacts your overall health, increasing your risk of heart and lung disease, stroke, cancer, and emphysema. Smoking can also damage the optic nerve and increase your chances of developing eye conditions like premature cataracts and macular degeneration. Quitting smoking will help your entire body—and your eyes, especially—stay healthy.

5. Wash your hands

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned over the past few years is the importance of washing your hands thoroughly and often. If you wear contact lenses, it’s even more essential for you to wash your hands before and after handling contact lenses. Washing your hands helps prevent eye infections, such as pink eye, from entering the body.

6. Know your risk factors

Age, pre-existing conditions, and family medical history all factor into your long-term eye health. As you get older, you are more likely to develop age-related eye conditions such as glaucoma, which has a genetic component. Always let us know whether any of your family members have, or have had, any eye conditions so we can best monitor your vision.

7. Schedule an exam

The best way to show your eyes some love is to schedule a comprehensive, dilated exam with us at Better Vision New Jersey. If you’re due for a visit, contact us today! Many eye diseases are asymptomatic in early stages—though they are best controlled and treated with early diagnosis.

Taking care of your eyes is important all year long, but why not give them a little extra love this February? Follow these tips, and book with us if it’s time for your next eye exam.