Your eyes deserve TLC just like the rest of your body. That’s where good eye hygiene comes in — it’s a key part of maintaining the health and function of your eyes. In this guide, we discuss the basics of eye hygiene to help ensure your peepers stay in top shape.
Why Is Eye Hygiene Essential?
Eye hygiene is crucial for the following reasons:
- It helps keep your vision clear.
- It reduces the risk of eye infections, irritation and injuries.
- It helps detect eye health issues early.
How to Practice Good Eye Hygiene
Following these simple steps can help maintain good eye hygiene:
- Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are crucial for children and adults. They help identify potential issues affecting your vision and overall eye health.
- Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses.
- Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Avoid rubbing your eyes, regardless of how tired or itchy they feel, as this could lead to infections or cause damage.
- Manage Screen Time: Prolonged screen time can strain your eyes. Take frequent breaks when working on a computer or watching TV. Also, practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
- Wear Protective Eyewear: Protect your eyes when participating in potentially hazardous activities like sports, certain games or DIY projects.
- Care for Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, always clean and replace them as directed by your eye doctor. Never sleep in your lenses unless recommended by your eye doctor.
- Healthy Diet and Hydration: A diet rich in vitamins A, C and E benefits your eye health. You should also stay well-hydrated as it helps maintain the moisture levels in your eyes.
Give Us a Call!
Our optometrists at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry are dedicated to helping you maintain your eye health. Send us a message or call (703) 413-1400 (Crystal City) or (703) 522-7676 (Clarendon) to schedule your appointment.