As if the stress of daily life weren’t enough to deteriorate your vision, the pandemic happened. The National Eye Institute acknowledges studies indicating that COVID-19 particulates can enter your conjunctiva. This mucous membrane lines the outside of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. From there, the virus replicates. Now that the pandemic has entered its second year of devastation, everyone needs to pay even more attention to optic health. If you want to find out how to care for your eyes and vision in 2021, here’s what you should know.
Get UV Eye Protection
UV (ultraviolet) rays from sunlight damage the proteins of your eyes’ natural lenses. This contributes to the development of eye disorders like cataracts. Even if it is cloudy, you must wear UV-protective sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat and an umbrella can help block harmful glares, as well. Make sure to choose a pair of sunglasses with UV400 or 100 percent UV protection.
Use Artificial Tears
As aging sets in, your eyes do not self-lubricate as well as before. Your natural tears lubricate your conjunctiva. If this part of your eye dries up, inflammation follows. The dryness results in watery eyes because your body wants to compensate for the lost tears. Make sure that you use preservative-free artificial tears so that you can avoid irritating your eyes.
Keep Moving
You can perform moderate workouts for only a few hours per week to maintain your eyes’ health. This will help lower your risk of developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Movement improves your circulation. Good circulation lowers your risk of diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.
These ailments affect the circulation of blood to your eyes, inhibiting their nourishment. This usually results in eye disorders such as AMD. With enough exercise, you can maintain your optic health and prevent blindness.
Protect Your Eyes
Eye injuries usually occur in familiar places such as your home, workplace, or other places you frequent. It does not take something out of your ordinary routine to harm your eyes. Without proper eyewear, your eyes are vulnerable to splinters, debris, bacteria, and viruses. Whenever you do something that puts your eye health and safety at risk, you should wear protective eyewear like goggles or sunglasses. Protective eyewear blocks any harmful substance from entering your eyes.
Have Routine Eye Checks
Although the pandemic is still here, most clinics offer by-appointment consultations to keep patient contact to a minimum. Your eye specialist can examine your eyes thoroughly. If you have early signs of an eye condition, your eye doctor could treat it right away. Cooperating with your ophthalmologist can treat any eye condition and prevent other optic issues from developing.
You should take control of your eye health during this pandemic. At Grin Eye Care, we help our patients achieve optimal eye care with our routine eye exams and health education. For a one-on-one consultation, you can visit our clinic in Leawood and Olathe, Kansas. Please call us at (913) 829-5511 to set an appointment or ask questions about our eye care and treatment packages.
