Some of us take our vision for granted until it worsens. When an eye becomes irritated or vision blurs, we begin to worry about how to fix the problem and preserve our eyesight. While eye inflammation and blurred vision are not uncommon, it is important to address those symptoms immediately and effectively to get the problem under control and prevent it from getting worse. The tips below are a good starting place for treating and preventing eyesight problems.
It may seem unnecessary to mention cleanliness, but eyes that are irritable, strained, or struggling for clear vision may benefit from a simple eyewash. This can be done using a clean washcloth with warm water and baby shampoo worked into a sudsy solution. Close one eye at a time and apply the solution to the eyelids and lash lines. This will remove leftover makeup, granular particles, or natural irritation. Rinse each eye with clear warm water to remove the residual suds and loosened debris. Repeat morning and night for a few days to see if your eyes improve.
If you live or work in an area where the air is sometimes filled with blowing dust, sand, or other fine particles, get in the habit of wearing protective eyewear when outdoors. If your worksite involves frequent airborne debris, wear goggles or other designated eye gear in affected areas. When you are outdoors or driving your car on a bright sunny day, wear sunglasses to avoid eyestrain and irritation. There are more indirect ways of protecting your eyes as well. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables containing vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots or spinach, can improve your eyesight. Fish with omega-3 fatty acids have health benefits for your eyes. Eating well and wearing eye protection are both different ways of protecting your eyes.
If your eye symptoms persist or get worse, schedule an exam with an ophthalmology specialist. Using special techniques, the eye doctor can evaluate the scope of the problem and prescribe the necessary treatment. Regular check-ups and comprehensive dilated eye exams can help you catch potential problems before they worsen. They can also suggest specific ways of protecting your eyes if you spend time in areas where the air contains problematic elements.
Follow the doctor’s orders to keep your vision safe and secure. If the ophthalmologist does not recommend a specific treatment plan, you may want to ask about using over-the-counter eye drops to keep your eyes moist so contaminants and allergens cannot continue to irritate your eyes. Wear recommended eye protection as needed, and let the doctor know of any new symptoms or problems. Ask your family about their eye health history, if a doctor diagnosed them with a hereditary disease, it would be worth getting yourself checked. Preventing a problem is generally much easier than curing it.
Vision is a precious gift that is meant to last a lifetime. We need to be proactive in addressing possible signs of vision problems and take preventative steps to retain healthy eyesight. Following these tips by going to the doctor for regular checkups, cleaning your eyes as necessary, protecting your eyes with googles or sunglasses, and eating well, will help you maintain your health and prevent your vision from getting blurry or your eyes from being inflamed.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.