When people think of everyday routines, they’re likely thinking about things that occur naturally to them, such as moisturizing their skin at night, brushing their teeth once or twice daily, and flossing. What they probably do not consider is their eye care routine.
With an estimated 10%-20% of people over 40 suffering from dry eye disease, people need to factor their eyes into their daily routines, especially as screen time becomes a larger part of everyday life.
What Daily Eye Care Looks Like
Daily eye care isn’t as complex as some people think it might be. Though it is essential to have proper nutrition and UV protection when going out into the sun, proper eye care can be as simple as ensuring that your eyes are given adequate hydration, both in and around the eyes.
Warm compresses on the eyelids and eyelashes, and using preservative-free artificial tears, can help the area around the eyes remain clean and healthy. Not only can this help prevent dry eye and irritation, but it can also prevent more painful problems, such as styes or even blepharitis, otherwise known as a bacterial infection of the eyelashes.
The Growing Demand for Accessible Eye Care
As more people become aware of the need for proper eye hygiene, they are also increasingly asking for accessible, easy-to-use eye health products. While artificial tears are already prevalent in grocery stores and pharmacies, and eye creams are helping prevent fine lines and wrinkles, there is a growing need for products that specifically target issues related to the eye itself.
Jovi Boparai, the founder of CorneaCare, equates incorporating daily eye care routines to oral hygiene and skincare.
“I think the first step is to make eye care a part of daily self-care,” Boparai says. “Because it’s so vital to your day-to-day living, you don’t really pay attention to your eyes until there’s a problem.”
With dry and watery eyes not uncommon in the general population, and the potential for excessive screen time capable of leading to future health issues such as Myopia (nearsightedness), it is essential to factor in an eye care regimen into your everyday routine.
What Should an Eye Care Routine Look Like?
Eye care will become increasingly important as one ages, and starting early before health issues arise is essential.
While a daily eye care routine will consist of washing one’s eyes to remove any lingering allergens, one should also consider the following when thinking about their eyes:
- Eating a balanced diet. The nutrients from a wide range of foods can help keep your eyes healthy.
- Getting enough exercise. Regular exercise can help reduce the occurrence of conditions that may damage your vision.
- Limiting screen time. Blue light can be damaging to your eyes. An occasional break from your computer or smart device can help your eyes relax.
- Seeing an eye care specialist if something seems wrong. If you’ve experienced changes in your vision, you should seek medical attention to determine if you require special treatment.
At a time when screens are more prevalent than ever, and the stress on them is becoming increasingly common, it is essential to keep your eyes healthy to avoid long-term damage.
