Eye health & product recommendation
Vision is often something we take for granted. When we start to notice our eyesight becoming blurry or distorted it can be unsettling. Some people may not realise that they need glasses until seeing an optometrist. It is important to look after our eye health and prevent severe causes afflictions such cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinopathy.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your health and eyesight.
- Eye Lubrication
Tears are a natural bodily response that helps to lubricate and protect the surface of the eyes. They also play a role in removing debris and keeping the eyes clear. If you’re prone to dry eyes, artificial tears can help to alleviate discomfort. They can be especially helpful during the day if you spend a lot of time working at a computer screen. There are two types of artificial tears: those with preservatives and those without. Preservative-free artificial tears are generally recommended for those who use them more frequently, such as more than 4 times a day, or for people who wear contact lenses. Preservatives are added to eyedrops to discourage bacteria growth once the bottle is opened so if you don’t have sensitive eyes or severe dry eyes, you can use the ones with preservatives.
Our best seller online, try the Systane Range.
- Blue Light
We love the convenience and connectivity provided by all of our devices; phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions however, prolonged use can have negative effects on our eyes. The blue light emitted by these screens has been shown to cause eye strain, fatigue, and dry eyes. Prolonged exposure to blue light can impact our sleep patterns and retinal health. To protect your eyes from the negative effects of blue light, you can reduce your screen time, use filters on your devices or special glasses called “computer glasses” which have a yellow-tinted lens that can help block the blue light. You can also use eye drops to relieve minor eye irritation and redness.
We recommend, Murine Sore Eye Drops.
- The 20-20-20 Rule
You work hard during the day and so do your eyes. Eye strain can cause headaches, fatigue, stress and blurred vision. Try to sit an arm’s length away from your computer and any other electronic screen. The rule is to give your eyes a chance to rest every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Sleeping is the best chance our eyes get to relubricate and refresh, that’s why when you wake up in the morning your eyesight is generally sharper. Allowing our eyes to rest and refocus will help to alleviate unavoidable eyestrain.
- Wear Sunglasses
Wearing shades isn’t just for looking cool, not only are they a fashion statement, but they’re an effective way to protect your eyes from the harmful radiation of the sun. Polarized lenses are particularly effective in reducing glare from the sun and can improve visual comfort. The larger the frame of the sunglasses, the more coverage they will provide for your eyes. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. It is especially important to wear sunglasses when spending time near water or in other environments where glareis prevalent.
Look cool with Onthenose Sunglasses - our go to brand.
- Keep Things CLEAN
Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands to reduce the risk of infection. Using old contact lenses can also be dangerous. You can clean your eyes safely by gently washing the area with a cotton wool pad soaked in clean water. Use a different eye pad for each eye. Always wipe from the inner corner of you eye to the outer side of you face. Individually packed eye wipes can be a convenient option for those wanting to give their eyelids a proper clean. They remove allergens from your lids and lashes to reduce allergy symptoms.
Try, Optisoothe Eye Wipes
- Makep-up Test
Anything applied to the eye area can cause a build-up of bacteria and debris. This can clog the tiny meibomian glands that line the inside of our eyelids. Old make-up that has potentially expired can cause irritation to the eyes and even cause infections. Always be mindful of the products you apply around the eyes and on your face. Ensure to remove any makeup residue before going to sleep to avoid irritation and puffiness.
Try Neurogena’s Micellar Waters, they are one our favourite skincare brands.