New Year’s resolutions can be hard to keep. So instead of adding more big goals to your list, here are some easy ways to improve your eye health and start the year with a fresh perspective.
Drink enough water
When you are dehydrated, your body stops producing enough tears to lubricate your eyes, which can lead to Dry Eye Syndrome and eye strain. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day helps flush salt from your body and keeps your eyes well hydrated.
Our tip: you don’t have to drink all that water. Around 20% of our daily fluid intake comes from water-rich foods such as courgette, cucumber, watermelon and grapefruit.
Go on a digital detox
Don’t worry — you don’t have to go cold turkey. There are lots of small changes you can make to give your eyes the rest they need and prevent eye strain, such as turning off notifications or making your bedroom a screen-free zone. If your job involves long hours at a computer, try adopting the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something about 20 feet (6 metres) away.
Our tip: track your daily screen time with an app. You might be surprised by the result!
Eat more antioxidants
Research shows that eating a rainbow of fresh fruit and vegetables can help protect our eyes from conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Berries, nuts and dark leafy greens like kale and spinach are particularly beneficial.
Our tip: good news for chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate (not the high-sugar kind) is packed with antioxidants.
Stay active
You already know that regular physical activity is good for your heart, your waistline and your energy levels. But did you know that exercise can also reduce the risk of developing serious eye conditions and protect your eyes as you age? Time to dust off those trainers.
Our tip: if dark mornings are killing your motivation, find a way to exercise indoors. Do a floor workout in your living room or sign up for a class at the gym.
Visit your optician
Even if you have perfect vision, it is recommended that you visit your optician at least once every two years. An eye examination tests how well you see and can also detect early signs of conditions that put your vision at risk, as well as health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. If you can’t remember your last eye test, it might be time to book an appointment.
Our tip: use our store locator to find your nearest optician and schedule an eye examination.
Don’t forget your sunglasses
Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts, temporary eye burns and even skin cancer. And while you may typically reach for your sunglasses on sunny summer days, UV damage can occur year-round — even on overcast days.
Our tip: invest in a quality pair that blocks at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
For more tips on how to look after your eyes, explore our eye care articles.