Taking care of your eyes now will future-proof your vision for the years ahead.
Are you experiencing ‘coronavision’? If life looks blurry, you have difficulty focusing, and often have painful eyes (and it’s not down to weekend party excess!), then the answer could be ‘yes’. But, you’re not alone – 31%* of us noticed that our vision deteriorated during lockdown, often caused by extra screen time, but chose not to see an optical specialist. The good news? It’s not too late to fix it.
‘For anyone who’s missed their regular check-up, I’d strongly advise booking an eye exam as soon as possible, especially if you’ve noticed a change in vision,’ says expert optician David Hutchfield. ‘For most people, this won’t have a long-term effect, but for those with pre-existing conditions, such as glaucoma, delaying an eye exam may be more serious.’
THE DANGERS OF ON-DEMAND TV
Can’t get enough of a new binge-worthy series? Taking a break is essential for eye health, however addictive the show is. ‘Use the same 20-20-20 rule for using computers or mobiles,’ says David. ‘Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. This will allow your eyes to refocus and rehydrate. And set a time to stop watching, so you have a decent night’s sleep.’
DON’T RUB YOUR EYES
‘It may feel satisfying when they’re tired or itchy, but rubbing your eyes can cause damage,’ says optometrist Roshni Patel. ‘As you rub, the structure of the cornea can weaken, no longer hold the shape and start to bulge outwards into a cone.’ To avoid this condition, known as keratoconus, use a chilled eye mask or sterile saline eye wash to ease symptoms instead.
TAKE YOUR CONTACTS OUT
It’s easy to forget to remove lenses, especially when you’re busy. ‘But it can cause oxygen deprivation to the cornea,’ says Roshni. ‘The cornea can become hazy as a result, leading to reduced vision. A compromised cornea also means increased risk of infection and ulcers.’ Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder, especially when you’re more likely to forget on late nights out.
ALSO SEE: 7 TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES
CUT DOWN ON COFFEE
Those yummy-flavoured coffee shop drinks can be oh-so tempting, but could cause issues. ‘Research shows that caffeine can affect your short-term vision,’ says Roshni. ‘The longer you excessively drink it, the more serious the effects become – it can even increase your risk of glaucoma. Among the most common side effects is blurred vision and twitchy eyes.’ Stick to just one cup a day, and swap to fruit teas and other caffeine-free options, such as camomile
and rooibos.
WEAR YOUR GLASSES
‘If you’ve been prescribed glasses, remember to wear them,’ says David. ‘And have a good pair of sunglasses to protect you from harmful UV light.’ Keen gardener? Look for specialist
buys from DIY stores or garden centres, which can help protect eyes from fl ying debris. ‘Should you feel any irritation after gardening, irrigate using saline or lubricating drops,’ adds Roshni.
DITCH OLD COSMETICS
‘Eye infections can occur if you do not regularly replace your eye make-up, especially mascara,’ says Roshni. Wash your hands before application and don’t use cosmetics after the expiration date on the label.
THE EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE
Numerous changes can happen with fluctuating hormone levels. ‘The shape of the eye can alter,
meaning a change in prescription is needed, or wearing contact lenses may be more diffi cult,’
says David. And that’s not all. ‘Commonly, postmenopausal women experience dry-eye syndrome, where the eyes feel scratchy. This is often accompanied by blurry vision and increased light sensitivity, which is worsened by air conditioning. An optometrist can recommend the best treatment for you.’
CONJUNCTIVITIS OR COVID-19?
Sore, itchy eyes? ‘Conjunctivitis has been more common since the pandemic began, both as a result of weakened immune systems for those who have had coronavirus, and also as a symptom of the illness,’ says Dr Nisa Aslam. In fact, one healthcare worker tested positive for the virus with conjunctivitis being their only symptom**. If you’re worried, contact your GP.17% of adults spent more than five to six hours extra time on screens every day during lockdown*.
FOOD FOR BETTER VISION
‘It’s important to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water,’ says David. Fill up on:
✣ Green leafy veg
✣ Raw spinach (cooking it can reduce its potency, found Swedish research)
✣ Avocado and sunfl ower seeds
✣ Yellow and orange peppers, and sweetcorn
✣ Kale and carrots
✣ Eggs
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