With the end of 2019 fast approaching, you might have already started thinking about those new year’s resolutions you’ll be making in time for the new year. Most resolutions include ideas to get fitter and healthier, or perhaps focus on career progression which has thus far remained elusive.
Though perhaps not at the front of the queue of resolutions, but no less important, this year consider a pledge of looking after your eyes. Your vision is incredibly important, and if you don’t take care of those peepers, you could be at higher risk of eye conditions and even vision loss in extreme cases. With that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL new year’s resolutions to help look after your eyes.
BOOK AN EYE EXAMINATION
First things first, if you haven’t gone to the opticians for a while, booking an eye appointment in the new year should be a priority. Everyone should have an eye examination every two years, unless told otherwise by your optician.
Regular eye examinations are instrumental in checking your vision, as well as looking for signs of any eye conditions or changes in health. Did you know that your optician can identify health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and even arthritis? This is possible through the different eye tests carried out when you visit your optician, and something so routine could actually be incredibly helpful in the long run. If you’re due an eye examination, make it your goal in 2020 to book it.
WEAR SUNGLASSES IN WINTER TOO
We all know that we should be wearing our sunnies with built-in UV protection come the summer months, but too much sunlight is a threat to your eyes any time of year, and although you might spend a good portion of winter seeking even a singular ray of sun, over exposure during the darker months can still be detrimental, especially when snow is involved.
Snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV radiation – which is double what you would normally be getting. In contrast, water, grass, and soil reflect no more than 10% and dry beach sand up to 15%. So, even though you might not realise it, your eyes may well be in greater danger of being exposed to too much UV radiation in wintry conditions.
SPEND LESS TIME LOOKING AT SCREENS
We’re not into fear mongering but according to a recent study, half of the world’s population could be short-sighted by the middle of this century, because we’re spending too much time looking at our screens.
At the beginning of the new year, when the weather is colder and you’re skint from the festive season, it’s all too easy to stay in and stare at a screen, television, computer, phone or otherwise. Instead, spend the start of the New Year getting into good habits; don’t take your phone to bed and instead of flicking through the telly channels not watching anything while second screening, read a book under a well-lit lamp. Hopefully these good habits will last for the rest of the year. Resolution complete.
FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET
Eating more healthily is a resolution that tops many people’s lists year after year – but did you know that your diet can affect the health of your eyes too? Foods high in saturated fat and sugar can increase your risk of certain eye diseases, but on the flip side, good nutrition can help delay or prevent certain eye problems.
Indeed, incorporating certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to healthy, sharp sightedness and reduce your risk of disease. The likes of omega-3, vitamins C and E and lutein may help to prevent some vision problems, too. Now, let’s look forward to the next decade with 20/20 vision!
