*AD – Don’t overlook your eyes: essential tips for eye health is a sponsored post however all opinions stated are my own.

When looking after your self, whether mental or physical health, it’s crucial to remember that our eyes play a vital role in our overall well-being. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked when it comes to self-care routines. Our eyes are not only the windows to the world but also a gateway to experiencing life’s beauty. Just imagine not being able to gaze at a vibrant sunset, or missing out on the joy of seeing your loved ones’ smiling faces. The impact of losing our eyesight would be profound, as it affects not only our daily activities but also our emotional and mental well-being. So, it’s essential to prioritize regular eye exams and to take proactive steps to maintain good eye health. By understanding the significance of caring for our eyes, we can ensure that they receive the attention and care they truly deserve.

Taking care of your eyes is essential for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. In this post, I’m going to share with you some simple tips about how to look after your eyes and I’ve got a pretty incredible product to share with you later on too. So let’s get straight into it.

Screen time

We are now living at a time where screen time is inevitable. Mobile phones, computers, and television have become indispensable tools in our daily lives, whether for work, entertainment, or staying connected with others. However, the increasing reliance on these devices has raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on our health and well-being. While it can be challenging to avoid screen time, especially in professional environments where digital devices are essential, it is crucial to explore strategies for minimizing the adverse effects.

In addition to taking regular breaks from screens to alleviate strain on our eyes, promoting healthy blood flow and supporting overall brain health, individuals can also benefit from practicing mindfulness and eye exercises to counteract the effects of prolonged screen exposure.

Furthermore, considering the option of using anti-blue light glasses can provide an additional layer of protection against the potential harmful effects of prolonged screen use. These glasses are designed to reduce the exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices, which may contribute to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and other related issues. Thus, by adopting a holistic approach to managing screen time, individuals can work towards maintaining their overall well-being in an increasingly digital world.

Eat well & move more

You probably hear this everywhere but did you know your diet can affect your eyes too? It’s not just an old wives’ tale, the food you eat can have a significant impact on your eye health. Ensuring that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good vision and preventing eye-related problems. In particular, incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein sources such as fish, can make a notable difference. For example, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to play a key role in supporting eye health and helping to preserve eyesight. Additionally, antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables can provide essential protection against age-related vision issues. By giving your body the proper fuel it needs, you can potentially safeguard your vision and maintain healthy eyes for years to come.

Exercise offers numerous health benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness and the release of endorphins. Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance cognitive function, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood and mental well-being. Furthermore, engaging in exercise can contribute to a reduced risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity, all of which can have a direct impact on ocular health. Incorporating a variety of movements into your routine, from strength training to cardiovascular exercises, can also support healthy blood circulation and deliver essential nutrients to the eyes, promoting optimal vision and eye health in the long term.

Regular eye checks

It’s recommended that you visit an optician every two years here in the UK, even if you feel your sight hasn’t changed in any way since the last appointment. Regular check-ups allow opticians to monitor your eye health and detect any potential issues early on. Additionally, as you age, your eyes may undergo subtle changes that could impact your vision, making regular visits crucial for maintaining good eye health. Opticians can also provide advice on eye care and recommend appropriate measures to safeguard your vision for the future. By staying proactive about your eye health, you can ensure that any developments are identified and addressed promptly, ultimately preserving your vision for years to come.

A top tip of mine before you have your appointment is to talk to family members about their eyes too. You may find out that someone close to you has a condition or issue with their eyes that can be genetic. By finding out this information, you can then let your opticians know, so they can be extra vigilant and give you any information that might be helpful.

Of course, it’s really important that you voice any changes or concerns you might have during these appointments. Your eye health is their top priority, so if you notice anything different between appointments, no matter how small it may seem, it’s always recommended that you book an appointment to get things checked. Even if it isn’t near the two years, opticians are there to ensure that you receive the best care and attention, addressing any issues or changes as soon as they arise.

Glasses & contact lenses

If you are a wearer of either or both, you will have been given some advise about these at your appointments, so make sure you follow it. Simple things such as washing your hands before putting in contact lenses might be easy to forget, but will save you so many issues in the long run. Even if you don’t wear contact lenses, think about how many germs are found on our hands and then think about putting those germs directly onto our eyes. You just wouldn’t want to. It’s crucial to also remember to replace your contact lens case regularly, as it can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms if not properly maintained. Additionally, always adhere to the recommended schedule for using new contact lenses to avoid discomfort and potential eye infections. Lastly, make it a habit to remove your contact lenses before swimming or showering to minimize the risk of water-borne infections. Taking these extra precautions will contribute to the long-term health and comfort of your eyes.

When it comes to wearing glasses, make sure they are the correct prescription and always make sure that they are clean. Clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the lenses, and consider using a gentle lens cleaner to remove any stubborn smudges. Additionally, it’s important to store your glasses in a protective case to prevent damage. Again, if you notice any changes in your vision or are finding your glasses not working like they used to, schedule an appointment with your optician for a comprehensive eye exam. Regular check-ups can help ensure your prescription is up to date and that your eyes are in good health.

Our lifestyle affects our eyes too

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that our lifestyle choices and the things we do on a daily basis can have a significant impact on our eyesight. It’s important to be mindful of these factors and take proactive steps to protect our vision. Here are a few examples…

Sunlight

When selecting the perfect sunglasses, it’s crucial to consider various factors beyond just style. While trendy designs are appealing, functionality should take precedence. Look for sunglasses that not only complement your look but also effectively shield your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Protection from sun damage is essential for maintaining good eye health, especially during prolonged outdoor activities. In addition to blocking out UV rays, consider polarized lenses to reduce glare and enhance visual clarity. Remember, safeguarding your vision should always be a top priority, so invest in high-quality sunglasses that prioritize both fashion and function.

Alcohol & Smoking

We have probably all seen the cigarette packets over the years that state smoking can cause blindness. Believe me, this is not just a marketing ploy from the NHS to get people to stop, it really does cause blindness. Cutting down as much as you can and eventually stopping will definitely help, as will never taking up the habit in the first place. There is so much free support out there to help you quit, definitely use it.

Many people forget that alcohol can have a huge impact on our eyes too. Obviously I’m not saying everyone should give it up, but it’s important to only drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol causes temporary issues which I’m sure most of us have experienced at some point. Things such as dizziness, blurred vision, double vision or dryness. These usually go away after a short time.

However, there are more serious side effects linked to regular or heavy drinkers. The main one of course being alcohol poisoning. But it can really affect your eyes long term too. Things such as Optic Neuropathy, macular degeneration or Cararact Formation can really be life limited should you be unfortunate to develop any of these.

Eye protection

It’s obviously so important to use the correct form of eye protection when you are at work and if your workplace isn’t providing it, make sure you raise this concern with them. But did you know it’s just as likely that you could damage your eyes at home too? Using machinery, even something as simple as a lawn mower or power tools, can cause accidents with your eyes. Therefore, it’s crucial to wear appropriate eye protection not only in professional settings but also at home, especially when engaging in activities that pose a risk to your eyes, such as woodworking, DIY projects, or gardening. Make sure you are taking the necessary precautions every time to help prevent serious eye injuries.

Eyecare when flying

So many of us our travelling more now than ever before. In fact 52% of Brits took a holiday abroad last year and 64% are planning an overseas trip this year. Of course, for many, flying is the easiest and quickest option. But with air conditioning and the notorious “dry air”, water vapour at 35,000ft is non-existent. The lack of humidity in the circulated air can really play havoc with our senses. I know for me personally, it really affects my nose and eyes. I end up feeling like I’ve got a horrible cold and my eyes appear red, whilst feeling dry and irritated. This is obviously not a good look on holiday, I’m sure you will agree.

I also have the same issues when I’m outside during Spring and Summer. Hayfever and being exposed to allergens and sunlight after being couped up inside the home for the winter months can not only irritate my eyes, but it can take the joy from being outside. If my eyes are sore and watering, I just want to go back inside, which of course means I’m missing out on so many things.

However I have found the perfect product that helps both of these issues and the great news is it’s super affordable too. So let me introduce you to TheraTears…

TheraTears Irritation & Redness

TheraTears Irritation and Redness is a unique 5-in-1 eye drop containing hyaluronic acid that lubricates, hydrates and protects the surface of the eye. Natural Euphrasia within these drops effectively and gently reduces redness, which allows the eye to return to its natural whiteness.

Sadly I haven’t been flying recently, however, with a young baby, my sleep in definitely deprived and sometimes even non-existent, which also affects my eyes. Did you know that a lack of sleep causes tiny blood vessels on the eye’s surface to dilate. This is what can cause them to look red and inflamed. Missing out on sleep whether through little ones or even long haul flights means that our eyes are not getting their daily chance to repair and restore naturally.

The great news is that not only are the TheraTears Irritation & Redness eye drops widely available in places like Amazon, Boots ad Sainsbury’s to name a few, they are also contact lens friendly which so many on the market aren’t. They are also really affordable at just £5.99 for 10ml.

My Thoughts

I have been trying out the TheraTears 5 in 1 eyecare drops fora little while now, and the results have been truly remarkable. Not only have I noticed a visible difference in the redness of my eyes, but others have also commented on how much brighter and healthier they look. The irritation that used to plague me has significantly reduced, making my days so much more comfortable. With these positive changes, the only remaining concern on my mind is addressing my stubborn under-eye bags. I look forward to continuing this journey towards overall eye wellness and discovering even more benefits from this fantastic product.

I have definitely found these TheraTears drops easily to slot into my daily routine. Mornings are now much more enjoyable as I start my day by gently applying these soothing drops to my eyes. I can’t believe how 30 seconds and two little drops have improved how my eyes look and feel so much. My eyes used to feel tired and strained, but now they feel refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the day ahead. I will definitely be recommending them to everyone I know. The difference they have made is truly remarkable, and I want others to experience the same positive change. If you want to find out more information, visit the TheraTears website. Have you tried them yet?