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Five tips to protect your eyes



Due to our daily commitments, busy schedule or sometimes, our 'tidak apa' attitude, we often neglect our eyes. Just like every other part of your body, your eyes need to be taken care of too. But if you fail to do so, you are very likely to suffer from age-related vision problems as you get older.

With that in mind, here are five easy peasy tips to protect your eyes:

1) Take a break from your computer every now and then
You might not know this, but staring at your computer screen for too long might strain your eyes in the long run. If you have a desk job, it is recommended that you take a 15-minute break to rest your eyes. Alternatively, you can also rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. You also need to positon your monitor so that your eyes are level with the top of the screen. And oh, do not forget to blink.

2) Eat healthy and quit smoking
Yes, what you eat affects your eyesight. Numerous studies have shown that foods packed with nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, lutein and Omega-3 may help ward off age-related vision problems. So, fill your plate with lots of leafy vegetables, oily fish and citrus fruits.

Studies have also shown that excessive smoking will likely cause optic nerve damage and cataracts in the long run, so if you're a heavy smoker, you need to consider quitting.

3) Go for regular eye check ups
Just like your teeth and your body, you need to go for regular eye check ups. You should visit your optometrist at least once every two years, and more frequently if you're diabetic.

4) Use protective glasses
If you're working at a hazardous workplace, or with airborne materials at work or at home, it is recommended that you wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Airborne particles such as dust can seriously harm your eyes. This also applies when you're working around the house, for example when you're drilling a hole or hanging up a picture.

5) Find the perfect pair of sunglasses
The right pair of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's damaging UV rays. Too much UV exposure is bad for your eyes as you are more likely to get cataracts. So, when buying your next pair of sunglasses, always choose the ones that provide at least 99% protection from UV rays. Polarized glasses reduce glare when driving.