The human eyes are as important as every other part of your body. I believe you should promote the health of your eyes and sight as a teenager. However, there are many misconceptions about human eyes, especially for teenagers, which is why many are concerned about their sight.
When I was a teenager, I suffered from Blepharitis, which is the inflammation of the eyelid. I was scared to talk about it with my parents because I was scared of using the recommended glasses. I wish I had spoken up then; I eventually got glasses in year two as an undergraduate. It wasn’t until I started an ophthalmic nursing course that I knew that certain habits and tips can promote my sight.
As a teenager, you must understand that your vision is still developing, and you need to take care of it properly. This article will explain five ways to promote your sight and prevent any form of injury or infection.
5 Eyesight Health Tips
1. Eat Nutritious Foods
If you want to eat a balanced diet, you just include nutritious foods. Several foods and fruits contain fatty acids and antioxidants that are useful for the eyes. According to the Optometric Association, below are the ten best foods to improve your eyesight.
- Fish: Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and oily fish have oil in their body tissue and guts. Examples of fish containing omega-3s include tuna, trout, salmon, herring, anchovies, and sardines. Studies have also shown that oily fish can reverse dry eye, and the computer can cause the reverse eye.
- Nuts and legumes: Nuts are also very rich in Omega-3 acids, and they also contain vitamin E, which can prevent the eyes from age-related eye defects. Examples of nuts and legumes are cashews, walnuts, peanuts, and lentils.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are very rich in Vitamin C, and vitamin C contains antioxidants. Examples of fruits that contain citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.
- Carrots: Carrots are also rich in vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A is an essential element in improving vision, and it helps the retina absorb light properly.
- Beef: Beef is a source of zinc, and it has been linked to improving eyesight. Zinc helps in preventing muscular degeneration and sight loss.
- Eggs: eggs are great sources of zeaxanthin and lutein, and they are also sources of vitamin C, E, and zinc. Eggs reduce the risk of age-related eyesight defects.
- Water: Water prevents dehydration, which is also a symptom of many eye defects.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, and is also a good source of antioxidant.
2. Always wash your hands
Clean hands are essential to your eye health. Many teenagers unknowingly touch their eyes with dirty hands, and this habit is unhealthy for the eyes. Touching the eyes with dirty hands can cause infection because bacteria can be transferred from surfaces to your eyes.
{Read: Why Washing Your Hands is a Big Deal}
3. Sleep and rest properly
Sleep deprivation is unhealthy for your eyes. Adequate sleep improves your eyesight and prevents eye ache. You must prioritize adequate sleep and rest if you want to promote your eyes.
4. Be careful with your use of digital device
Digital devices are for our good. You must however be mindful of them. It is normal for teenagers to spend hours watching TV or staring at a digital screen for an extended period. But it is healthy to take a few hours break from these devices. Whether it is your phone, TV, or personal computer, ensure that you implore the following healthy tips:
- Blink your eyes frequently
- Adjust the lighting on your screen
- Keep your computer to at least 20”-24” of your eyes
- Maximize blue-light blocking glasses
- Take a break for at least 20 minutes to focus on object 20 feet away for 20 seconds
5. Get an annual eye exam from an optometrist
Medical advice says that the eyes must be checked at least once a year and at least two times a year if you have an eye defect. The best way to care for your eyes is to go for a regular and professional eye exam by an optometrist. The essence of the eye examination is to detect any eye defect and issues.
As a teenager, your eyes deserve to be cared for, and I can tell you that your future is dependent on how you treat your eyes today. As parents, you must ensure that you always help your teenagers promote their eyes.
Have you ever taken much thought into the care of your eyes?
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