Top tips for healthy eyes

Optical Express Eurpoes leading eye care and laser eye surgery providers ten top tips for healthy eyes:

1. Never use old make-up
Never use old make-up on your eyes, share eye make-up or use old wands in new products as this increases the risk of infection. We have had patients suffering with eye infections from applying out-of-date eyeliner and make-up, so give your make-up bag an overhaul and throw out old mascara and eye liner every six months.

2. Don't stare at your computer screen too long
Try to take a break from staring at your computer screen, it's important to give your eyes a break to prevent headaches, blurry vision and dry eye. Also keep your monitor dust and fingerprint free as both can reduce clarity and cause eye strain.

3. Sit 50-60cm away from your screen
Make sure you sit about 50-60cm away from your computer screen and that there is no light reflecting off the monitor.

4. Take a break
If working for long periods in front of a monitor, try and take a break every 20 minutes to half an hour.

5. Get some fresh air
Working in an air conditioned office or building can dry out your eyes even if you don't wear contact lenses, making them uncomfortable and itchy but a little fresh air regularly will help.

6. Drink plenty of water
Drink lots of water as it improves the moisture balance in your eyes, especially in air conditioned offices.

7. Don't rub your eyes when you have something in your eye
The best thing to do is lift the upper eyelid outward and gently pull it down to cover the lower lashes causing tears to wash the object out of your eye. Lens wearers should take them out and clean them thoroughly.

8. Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses help keep your eyes healthy by protecting them from UV rays.

9. Keep a healthy diet
Eating certain foods rich in antioxidants can keep your eyes in good health such as oily fish, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Other foods that help maintain healthy eyes are those containing zinc like red meat or rye oats, as well as strawberries, kiwis and oranges which are foods high in
vitamin C.

10. Get your eyes tested regularly
Have your eyes tested as regularly as recommended by your optometrist (usually every two years). Optometrists can diagnose not just problems with sight but major health issues too such as high cholesterol, liver damage and many others, so it's important to have a regular comprehensive eye test.